Streaking Braves have some eye-popping stats
HOUSTON – Some stats make you stop and go back to make sure you read correctly. Stats like those that (almost) “Every Day” Jonny Venters is accumulating (almost) every day in a 22-consecutive-inning scoreless streak.
He’s given up one run in his past 34 appearances, none in his past 18, and reduced his majors-leading ERA to a microscopic 0.44, in a majors-leading 37 appearances and majors-leading 40-2/3 relief innings. (Yes, he’s majors’ leading reliever so far in ‘11.)
Hanson had a career-high 14 strikeouts Sunday, has been one of the majors' best for his past 30-plus starts.
But there are some other stats this Braves teams and individual Braves have produced that jump off the page right now, too, including:
• Tommy Hanson, who struck out a career-high 14 in seven innings yesterday, ranks second among major league starters with an .189 opponents’ average (behnd Boston’s Josh Beckett at .188), and Hanson leads the majors with a .101 OA with runners in scoring position.
• Jair Jurrjens (1.82) leads major league starters in ERA, and Roy Halladay (2.39) is the only other NL starter with an ERA lower than Hanson’s 2.48.
Hanson’s 9.6 strikeouts per nine innings is fourth in the NL, while Jurrjens’ 4.18 strikeouts/walk ratio (46/11) ranks fourth in the league in that category.
On Sunday, he became the first pitcher in franchise history to record 14 strikeouts while pitching no more than seven innings. Yes, the first in franchise history.
The Braves’ 17 total Ks on Sunday were topped this season only once, by Philly’s 18 strikeouts against the Bravos themselves on May 6.
Speaking of Jurrjens, when someone asked the Astros’ Michael Bourn about his team striking out 14 times against Hanson on Sunday and being outscored 21-8 by the Braves in the first three in the four-game series that ends tonight at Minute Maid Park, Bourn said, “We’ve probably not even faced their best [pitcher] yet.”
He was referring to Jurrjens, who starts Tuesday against the Mets at Turner Field (tonight it’s Derek Lowe against Wandy Rodriguez, the only Astros pitcher who’s actually pitched quite well recently; more on that in a moment).
One more note on Hanson, whom I wondered aloud about in recent blogs, as to whether some Braves fans realized just how well he’s pitched in the past year or so. I still wonder, even in light of his 14-strikeout eye-popper start Sunday.
• Over his past 32 starts, basically a season’s worth going back to July 3, Hanson has a 2.43 ERA and .202 opponents’ average. He has a modest 11-10 record in that period, in large part because the Braves scored two runs or fewer while he was in 19 of those 32 starts.
In his past 21 starts, Hanson is 10-5 with a 2.25 ERA and .184 opponents’ average, with 118 strikeouts and 39 walks in 128 innings. The only valid criticism I see is that he’s averaged just six innings per start in those periods (the 32- and 21-start spans).
Other than that, you can probably count on one hand the number of NL starters as good or better than Hanson over those periods.
OK, I veered off my original thought, which was the eye-popping stats. Let’s get back to those. Here were some others I found this morning:
• Brian McCann is 7-for-21 with six homers and 14 RBIs in his past seven games against Astros, including 5-for-10 with four homers and eight RBIs in his past three. He’s homered in three consecutive games against them, May 17 and the past two days.
And the Braves catcher hit those homers on past two days while limping around with a huge welt on his right shin from a foul ball he hit off it well before his 10th-inning homer Saturday, and with an ugly bruise on his right shoulder.
• At Minute Maid Park, McCann has hit .366 (15-for-41) with four homers, 13 RBIs and a 1.318 OPS in 13 games.
Chipper Jones, who’ll be back in the lineup tonight after resting Sunday, has hit .395 (51-for-129) with 20 doubles, eight homers, 31 RBIs and 1.202 OPS in 37 games at Minute Maid, including five hits (homer, two doubles) in games Friday and Saturday.
Braves' Every Day Jonny is doing serious work this season. Serious, serious work.
• The Braves are 11-1 with 2.51 ERA in their past 12 games against Houston (going back to 9/9/09). They’ve hit .276 with 15 homers and 73 runs in those games, including including 14 homers in seven games at Minute Maid. They’ve hit eight homers in three games in this series and are going for a seven-game season sweep of the Astros tonight.
• Jordan Schafer has stolen more bases (four) in the past three days in Houston than any other Brave has stolen all season. That’s right, no other Brave has more than three steals.
Schafer has only hit .222 (14-for-63) with a .319 OBP in 16 games since arriving to replace DL’d center fielder Nate McLouth, but has seven stolen bases in nine attempts. The rest of the Braves have a combined 12 stolen bases this season in 28 attempts.
In his past five games, Schafer is 6-for-21 (.286) with a triple, six runs, one walk, five steals and a .318 OBP. If he drew more walks, he’d really have something going.
Jason Heyward is starting a rehab assignment tonight for Triple-A Gwinnett, earlier than anyone expected given that he just began hitting off a tee a few days ago. So he could be back by late this week.
McLouth is expected to do a minor-league rehab assignment this week and could rejoin the Braves perhaps as soon as next weekend. So then what do they do with Schafer?
With LF Martin Prado probably out all of June recovering from his staph infection, I could see the Braves playing McLouth in left field and Schafer in center.
The more interesting decision will be, what to do with Schafer when both Prado and Heyward are back. Bench McLouth? Send Schafer back to Triple-A? I know they want Schafer to keep playing every day to get at-bats after missing so much time the past two seasons, so I don’t know if a fourth-outfielder role here is an option right now.
And with McLouth still owed more than $3 million and not exactly lighting it up before he got hurt, I don’t know that any team would have much trade interest.
But we’ll have to wait and see.
Oh, a few more stats that demand attention, before I have to pack up and head to the ballpark:
• The Braves are 8-2 with a 2.70 ERA in June. They’ve only hit.240 average, but do have 14 homers (facing the Astros staff can help boost those totals in a hurry). The Braves’ only June losses were back-to-back June 4-5 at New York)
• The Braves are 9-2 with a 2.32 ERA and .232 avg in past their past 11 road games. They only scored 23 runs in the first eight of those games, but have 21 in the past three against the ‘Stros, losers of eight of their past nine.
• Dan Uggla no longer has the worst batting average and OBP in the majors, not after back-to-back two-hit games with three walks mixed in. In fact, he doesn’t even have the worst OBP in the National League anymore.
White Sox mistake Adam Dunn’s .180 average is the majors’ qualifying worst (Uggla is at .183, up 13 points in two days), and Yuniesky Betancourt (.252) has the NL’s lowest OBP (Uggla is at .253).
Uggla’s .097 average vs. lefties is second-lowest in the NL to Carlos Pena’s .063.
♣ Who’d have thunk it a week ago: Atlanta (38-28) and Milwaukee tied for 3rd-best record in baseball, behin dPhilly (40-26) and Boston (39-26).
The Braves and Red Sox took somewhat similar routes to those marks, after alarming starts in April.
The Red Sox started out 2-10 with a 6.79 ERA, and have gone 37-16 with a 3.51 ERA since.
The Braves, after starting out 8-12 with a 3.27 ERA, have gone 30-16 with a 2.84 ERA.
Talk about playing different brands of baseball: Since April 22, the Sox are 32-15 with a 3.68 and 274 runs. The Braves are 30-16 with 189 runs in that span.
BRAVES LINEUP
- Schafer CF
- Uggla 2B
- McCann C
- Chipper 3B
- Freeman 1B
- Mather RF
- Hicks SS
- Young LF
- Lowe RH
♣Tonight’s matchup: After pounding away on two rookies, fading Brett Myers and the Houston bullpen for the past three days, the Braves face a proven, good pitcher tonight, Wandy Rodriguez, who is coming off the DL and was doing quite well amid the Astros’ slide to oblivion.
Rodriguez was 2-0 with a 1.75 ERA in his past five starts before the DL stint. He has a 1.33 ERA in his past four starts against the Braves, with 26 strikeouts, six walks and no homers allowed in 27 innings. But he’s 0-1 in those games, because the Astros have provided an average of exactly one run per nine innings he’s pitched in those four starts.
Derek Lowe is 0-1 with a 4.37 ERA in his past six starts, and the Braves scored one or no runs while he was in four of those. He’s had quality starts in three of his past four games, including 6-2/3 scoreless innings of two-hit ball last week at Florida.
Lowe is just 2-3 in eight road starts this season despite a 2.78 ERA, including 1-3 in seven since his Opening Day win at D.C. The Braves have scored three runs or fewer while he’s been in every road game.
♣ Let’s close with a couple of Texan guitar gods, Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan, doing “Stormy Monday” from the 1983 TV show “In Session.” I mention last night, you can get a remastered, recently released CD of that show, and it’s incredible. You can watch the video of them doing the song by clicking here.
“STORMY MONDAY” by E. Hines, B. Eckstine, B. Crowder
They call it stormy Monday, yes but Tuesday’s just as bad.
They call it stormy Monday, yes but Tuesday’s just as bad.
Wednesday’s even worse; Thursday’s awful sad.
The eagle flies on Friday, Saturday I go out to play.
The eagle flies on Friday, but Saturday I go out to play.
Sunday I go to church where I kneel down and pray.
And I say, “Lord have mercy, lord have mercy on me.
Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy on me.
Just trying to find my baby, won’t you please send her on back to me.”
The eagle flies on Friday, on Saturday I go out to play.
The eagle flies on Friday, on Saturday I go out to play.
Sunday I go to church, where I kneel down, lord and I pray.
Then I say, “Lord have mercy, won’t you please have mercy on me.
Lord, oh Lord have mercy, yeah, won’t you please, please have mercy on me.
I’m just a-lookin’ for my sweet babe, so won’t you please send him home,
Send him on home to me.”
– by DAVID O’BRIEN, Braves/MIB blog
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,016 comments Add your comment
flange1
June 13th, 2011
4:03 pm
Thanks for the new blog DOB!
nolee
June 13th, 2011
4:05 pm
just for kicks, the following is from my old scouting manual, the rankings of what tools we were looking for at each OF position.
Left Field….. Center Field….. Right Field
1. Hitting …..1. Fielding ……1. Hitting
2. Power…. 2. Hitting…….. 2. Power
3. Fielding ..3. Speed ..3. Arm strength
4. Arm strength 4 Power 4. Fielding 4
5. Speed 5. Arm strength 5. Speed
flange1
June 13th, 2011
4:07 pm
Interesting nolie,
I would have thought arm strength would be higher for a CF than last.
Hillbilly
June 13th, 2011
4:09 pm
Let There Be More Light
Murph
June 13th, 2011
4:10 pm
Wonder which DLowe is going to show up tonight?
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
June 13th, 2011
4:12 pm
Thanks for the new Blog, Chief! Good stuff…
cabravesfan Just trying to head off McFann’s Wrath for [monty]
Smart move…
ncscoots
June 13th, 2011
4:13 pm
Bat, re your Freeman note, so posters thought Freeman just suddenly went pull-happy after working two months to get his up-the-middle swing right? That makes sense, sure.
My running-the-streets scenario has more cred than that.
nolee
June 13th, 2011
4:13 pm
well it’s flexible flange and obviously more is better in ant category.
that was developed quite a few years ago and arm strength might very well be rated higher than power now days. Looking at the current crop, it seems to be that way.
StingerSplash
June 13th, 2011
4:13 pm
It’s a fine song choice, MIB. But with the Big Man allegedly having suffered a stroke, I was kinda hoping maybe a little Tenth Avenue Freezeout in his honor today.
Wonder if Gwinnett’s player of the week gets any “Can’t stand ya” yelled at him on the road. And if he has any idea what it means.
Stay mild, Struggla. (What? He ain’t hot. He’s not even really tepid. But … he’s warmer than Francisco Franco right now, so it’s something. If he really gets going, he’ll get a “Stay hot, kid.”).
ncscoots
June 13th, 2011
4:16 pm
But … he’s warmer than Francisco Franco right now, so it’s something.
Several posters right now are going, “Franco? Who’s he play for? American League, right?”
Mitchie-san
June 13th, 2011
4:22 pm
Thata great, DOB. Albert and Stevie are two of my favorites.
Jimmy
June 13th, 2011
4:22 pm
Thanks for the info-packed bloggage DOB.
Richard Nixon won’t appreciate it…but real fans do!
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
4:24 pm
When I come in after the weekend and hafta play “catch up” on my reading, I usually skip the in game posts but I never skip DOB’s blogs……and usually always learn something there, too. Thanks!
Total Grace
June 13th, 2011
4:25 pm
Enter your comments here
richbrave
June 13th, 2011
4:25 pm
A couple of weeks ago I put up some expatriate BRAVES on AL clubs, and how they were fairing to that time. I promised to scan the NL later. It’s later.
NL EAST
Fish
JAVIER VASQUEZ – 7.09 ERA/1.652 WHIP
MIKE DUNN – 4.08 ERA/1.221 WHIP
WES HELMS – .219 BA/.275 OBP
OMAR INFANTE – .258 BA/.302 OBP
Melts
MANNY ACOSTA – 54.00 ERA/1.396 WHIP
WILLIE HARRIS – .223 BA/.310 OBP
Philthies
DANYS BAEZ – 4.11 ERA/1.402 WHIP
PETE ORR – DL
Gnats
JASON MARQUIS – 3.67 ERA/1.333 WHIP
RICK ANKIEL – .204 BA/.271 OBP
ADAM LaROCHE – DL
NL Central
Cubbies
RODRIGO LOPEZ – 6.10 ERA/1.452 WHIP
Reds
EDGAR RENTERIA – .231 BA/.311 OBP
‘Strohs Pack
NONE
Brew Crew
MARK KOTSAY – .263 BA/.344 OBP
Pirates
CHARLIE MORTON – 3.08 ERA/1.405 WHIP
CHRIS RESOP – 4.30 ERA/1.261 WHIP
JEFF LOCKE – DL
MATTY D – .248 BA/.281 OBP
GORKYS HERNANDEZ – DL
CARDS
NONE
NL West
D-Backs
HENRY BLANCO – .233 BA/.313 OBP
KELLY JOHNSON – .221 BA/.294 OBP
Rox
NONE
Dodgers
RAFAEL FURCAL – DL
Padres
NONE
Jimmy
June 13th, 2011
4:25 pm
Good. Uggla stays in the two hole.
Bat Masterson
June 13th, 2011
4:26 pm
That makes sense, sure. _ scoots
You know how it goes, in intraday trading Freeman’s stock is in the tank and Uggla’s is rocketing upwards.
Bat Masterson
June 13th, 2011
4:27 pm
Thanks for insights, DOB. Good stuff
Streaking Braves have some eye-popping stats | Raw Sports - Atlanta Braves
June 13th, 2011
4:28 pm
[...] Atlanta Braves [...]
Jimmy
June 13th, 2011
4:29 pm
Phillies off tonight, so a 1/2 game swing at stake. The Marlins play at Philly starting Tuesday night.
DenizenofDay 06182007
June 13th, 2011
4:29 pm
Heyward starts tonight for Gwinett here in Indianapolis. Already had my jersey on for the game.
TennesseePaul
June 13th, 2011
4:29 pm
Thank you for the work DOB.
GO BRAVES!
the truth...
June 13th, 2011
4:30 pm
What do we do with McLouth?
Let’s see now….with McLouth playing we are pretty dull….lower scoring I believe and boring
With Schafer our production is up and he ignites the offense….puts himself in scoring postion easily….
So if it comes down to paying McLouth his $3 mil….we’re going to pay him whether he plays of not….
I’d rather pay him to sit and win more….
Than pay him to play and lose more….
seems pretty simple to me…
ncscoots
June 13th, 2011
4:31 pm
You know how it goes, in intraday trading Freeman’s stock is in the tank and Uggla’s is rocketing upwards
Yes, and there are so many successful day traders, LOL.
Conyers Braves Fan
June 13th, 2011
4:32 pm
DOB: A lot of great stats for Braves against the AStros. Hope this does not jinx them for tonight. A sweep would be great for 2 straight road series.
ncscoots
June 13th, 2011
4:33 pm
Good. Uggla stays in the two hole.
If your other options are Mather, Hicks, and Young, I’m pretty much OK with it, too.
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
4:33 pm
Den06182007
Don’t see you on here a lot but please try to come back tomorrow and give us an up close and personal evaluation (without bias) of how JHey did.
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
4:35 pm
Thought Uggla’s comment about not trying to hit a home run but just to get Shafer to third was pretty telling. Oh, yeah…….and DirecTV went down for the first two innings of the game yesterday so I MISSED Uggla’s HR. Thank heavens they replayed it……SEVERAL times.
Jimmy
June 13th, 2011
4:36 pm
Wandy Rod making first start off the DL(elbow). Wandy dogged us back in May at the Ted – 8 innings, 5 hits, 8 K’s no runs.
Generally, not easy to steal off him. But this year, 5 out of 6 made it.
timthebrave
June 13th, 2011
4:36 pm
flange1 “I would have thought arm strength would be higher for a CF than last.”
It’s last because how often does a cf actually test an arm where it would make a difference. Maybe once a week. I would have it last as well
Wes
June 13th, 2011
4:38 pm
Why is Alex Gonzalez not playing?
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
4:38 pm
And…..I will admit (sorry me!) that when it “stuttered” back on for just a bit (we were having a MONSOON here!) and I could see the score was 2-0 already, told hubby well, either BMac or Chipper must’ve hit a home run. (I apologized profusely to Uggla when I saw what had REALLY happened.)
ray k.
June 13th, 2011
4:38 pm
When was the last time the Braves swept a four game series? Anyone know?
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
4:40 pm
ray k.
THIS old brain certainly can’t remember.
Fargo
June 13th, 2011
4:41 pm
@ray; we swept Milwaukee at home first week in may
monty
June 13th, 2011
4:42 pm
Have we seen a lot less of the opposition going from 1st to 3rd on singles to CF or is that just my imagination?
Roman Gal
June 13th, 2011
4:43 pm
richbrave-
The information in your post just insinuates a belief I’ve long held: The Braves are the best team. Obviously these players can’t deal with the letdown of playing for lesser teams.
MatthewH
June 13th, 2011
4:44 pm
I love living in the past as much as the next guy (or gal) but we need to realize that the Braves have starters that could rival the days of Glavine,Smoltz and Maddux.
Hillbilly
June 13th, 2011
4:44 pm
ray k.
The Braves swept the Brewers in a 4 game set starting on May 2nd of this season. Before that, they swept the Phillies in 4 starting on May 30th of 2010. Both series were at home.
where are the true fans
June 13th, 2011
4:45 pm
I think we need to send Schafer back down to the minors, ONLY so that he can work on his swing a little more, when our outfield is back from the DL. I reason I say that is because I think that McLouth offence is going to get better, I mean almost all the Braves started out kinda weak. If Chipper does decide to retire next year or at the end of this one, sad day that will be, Prado will move to third, move McLouth to LF, and keep Schafer in Center, and Heyward can stay in RF you have two base stealers(sp) and a guy who can steal bases on a good enough clip to keep pitchers honest.
What I Think Out Future Line Up Should Look Like
1. Schafer
2. Prado
3. Hayward
4. McCann
5. Freeman
6. Uggla
7. Gonzo
8. McLouth
9. Pitcher
ray k.
June 13th, 2011
4:45 pm
Maybe every team has its own aray of statistical oddities that are bandied about at the local sports bars, but does it not seem like the braves own some truly bizarre distinctions year after year? One run losses, solo HR’s, extra inning games…
Always interesting.
ray k.
June 13th, 2011
4:47 pm
Did we sweep the Brew Crew? Why do I not recall that? I’m losin it.
My Name Is Earl
June 13th, 2011
4:48 pm
DOB, I may have missed it but, do you know what is wrong with Freemans hand?
Fargo
June 13th, 2011
4:48 pm
@Where are the true fans; It is well documented that Mclouth will not be back next year, and Chipper will be.
Not even sure if Gonzo will be, being he is a FA at end of season.
other than that, I would play the other Heyward.
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
4:49 pm
ray k.
Yeah, me, too! BUT…that was six weeks ago and I sometimes have trouble recalling what I had for dinner the night before.
MikeInFl
June 13th, 2011
4:49 pm
the Braves have starters that could rival the days of Glavine,Smoltz and Maddux.
Whoa, there little fella… these Braves have pitched like that for a few months… those guys did it for pretty much a decade.
But of course, it’s great to see.
where are the true fans
June 13th, 2011
4:49 pm
Heyward I can’t believe I spelt his name wrong its all over the page
Fargo
June 13th, 2011
4:49 pm
@ray; perhaps you don’t recall, because there was a double header in that series? otherwise I cant help….
Bat Masterson
June 13th, 2011
4:49 pm
If Chipper does decide to retire next year or at the end of this one, sad day that will be, Prado will move to third, move McLouth to LF,
It’s hard to imagine a scenario that has McLouth back for next year.
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
4:50 pm
Earl
the announcers yesterday were saying that it was a callus on Freeman’s wrist that was being rubbed by the bat. (Or at least that was their best guess.)
NorCal Brave
June 13th, 2011
4:52 pm
ray K.: we swept the Brewers 4 straight at home a few weeks back.
Re Schafer vs. McClouth: if Heyward does get back up here soon and Schafer plays like he’s done, we’re nuts if McClouth doesn’t become an extra outfielder.
TennesseePaul
June 13th, 2011
4:52 pm
Hitting during the winning streak…
Player__G_BB_SO_HR_XBH__AVG__OBP__SLG___OPS
McCann. 4 02 01 02 003 .375 .444 .813 1.257
Chipper 5 02 02 01 004 .333 .391 .619 1.010
Uggla.. 6 03 08 01 002 .300 .391 .500 0.891
Seabass 6 01 09 02 004 .269 .296 .577 0.873
Ross... 2 03 01 00 000 .200 .500 .200 0.700
Young.. 5 02 03 00 000 .316 .381 .316 0.697
Conrad. 3 01 03 00 000 .250 .400 .250 0.650
Schafer 6 02 03 00 001 .250 .308 .333 0.641
Hinske. 6 01 09 02 002 .150 .190 .450 0.640
Freeman 6 00 11 01 002 .231 .231 .385 0.615
Mather. 5 00 02 00 000 .000 .000 .000 0.000
Diory.. 5 00 01 00 000 .000 .000 .000 0.000
McCann, Chipper and Uggla are all on right now. Middle of the order heats up, the team starts winning. It would be real nice if this had happened with a healthy Heyward and Prado… hopefully these guys continue on through when the rest get off the DL.
timthebrave
June 13th, 2011
4:52 pm
MatthewH “we need to realize that the Braves have starters that could rival the days of Glavine,Smoltz and Maddux.
Even better but this is over not even a half of a season. If they put up numbers like this for the next 10 years then you can start comparing
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
4:53 pm
Next year is Nate’s option year, isn’t it? As long as Shafer comes even close to the production of Nate, I truly doubt it’ll be picked up due to payroll.
monty
June 13th, 2011
4:53 pm
MAtthew H
To your point, at least for this year, the Braves pitchers are on pace to only allow 518 runs this year. Phenominal so far.
David O'Brien
June 13th, 2011
4:53 pm
Braves lineup 1. Schafer CF, 2. Uggla 2B, 3. McCann C, 4. Jones, 3B, 5. Freeman 1B, 6. Mather RF, 7. Hicks SS, 8. Young LF, 9. Lowe P
Boatdoc
June 13th, 2011
4:53 pm
I haven’t seen the national media pick up on how amazing Venters has been: but I would guess it’s not going to take much longer. If he still hasn’t given up a run by the All-Star break (and unless he falls completely apart, Mr. Bochy will definitely have him in the NL ‘pen) he’ll be upwards of 30-ish innings of consecutive shut-out pitching. Half-ish way to Hershiser’s record of 59 (in one season) and 60 (stretched out to the next season.) It’s pretty close to the pitching equivalent of Dimaggio’s 56-game hitting streak.
David O'Brien
June 13th, 2011
4:54 pm
Heyward’s already beginning a rehab assignment tonight for Triple-A Gwinnett at Indy. Wow.
Just started hitting off tee a few days ago.
Shaun
June 13th, 2011
4:55 pm
Where’s the “this is a below-average team” crowd?
TennesseePaul
June 13th, 2011
4:55 pm
It’s hard to imagine a scenario that has McLouth back for next year.
Very true. He’d have to come back and hit like Jose Bautista. I just don’t see that happening.
If Chipper retires…. I don’t think he will. If his recent resurgence from the left side holds, he’ll have a good year which will keep him around. But, if he does, the team would then need to find a left fielder in addition to a center fielder and short stop. The shopping gets a little more complicated.
Kat
June 13th, 2011
4:56 pm
David…I love how you’re able to now blog about our great stats. Wasn’t it just a few weeks ago where you were analyzing our really crappy stats. ..well maybe a month or so..time flies. Team is on fire and I just can’t wait for Uggla to turn it on.
Hillbilly
June 13th, 2011
4:56 pm
Braves last 4 game sweep on the road was May 15th-18th in 2003 vs the Padres.
TennesseePaul
June 13th, 2011
4:56 pm
Heyward’s already beginning a rehab assignment tonight for Triple-A Gwinnett at Indy. Wow.
I guess he got Chipper’s memo.
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
4:56 pm
Surprises me to see Hinske at only .150. BUT, he has played good defense in left.
TennesseePaul
June 13th, 2011
4:57 pm
Payne, they were piling on Hanson not long ago. They’re around. They’ll show up during the game if you want to witness it.
Arkansas Transplant
June 13th, 2011
4:57 pm
Shaun, your our spokesperson… continue on.
monty
June 13th, 2011
4:58 pm
Schafer, Mather, Hicks,and Young not an accounting firm but all Braves starters in the same game. Who would have thunk it when the season started. THere would have been gnashing of teeth.
raleighbravefan
June 13th, 2011
4:58 pm
DOB – Great blog, and very interesting. Of course, Shaun would say that most of your stats are old fasioned and meaningless.
MikeInFl
June 13th, 2011
4:58 pm
I have it on very good authority that Chipper has no intention of retiring before his contract is up, as long as he’s still effective.
(well, I heard his dad say it in a local radio interview… not quite Take It to the Bank authority, I guess … but I hate that expression anyway)
My Name Is Earl
June 13th, 2011
4:58 pm
Thanks Just Pateeee, I wonder if that is what caused his 0 for 4 yesterday? Hope DOB can get an update for us.
where are the true fans
June 13th, 2011
4:59 pm
@Fargo @Where are the true fans; It is well documented that Mclouth will not be back next year, and Chipper will be.
Not even sure if Gonzo will be, being he is a FA at end of season.
other than that, I would play the other Heyward.
Thanks for the info I didn’t hear that about McLouth, and I figured Chipper would be back( Guy would need to lose arms and legs before he actually retires), and I’m hoping Gonzo resigns with us next year.
Tomahawk Mafia
June 13th, 2011
4:59 pm
ray k.
You raise an interesting point. The Braves seems to one or two statistical oddities each year and I would venture to thrown in their tendency for them to have one or two key players having career worst seasons over the past few seasons. Just since 2007 I can name Andruw Jones, Francoeur in 2008-2009, McLouth in 2010 and Uggla in 2011.
raleighbravefan
June 13th, 2011
5:01 pm
Mike – Why Would he retire if he is still effective?
MatthewH
June 13th, 2011
5:01 pm
Hey, I said they “could” rival those pitching greats. I just typed that since it’s easier to look back than to realize what is going on in front of you. But yeah, I know we need to wait awhile before we get Hanson’s or JJ’s plaque ready at Cooperstown
richbrave
June 13th, 2011
5:03 pm
Roman Gal
June 13th, 2011
4:43 pm
richbrave-
The information in your post just insinuates a belief I’ve long held: The Braves are the best team. Obviously these players can’t deal with the letdown of playing for lesser teams.
Interesting take RG. Maybe. I do know that despite the much bally-hoo’d exceptions often cited here [WAINWRIGHT, FURCAL and a few others, most ex-BRAVES do not fare well with other clubs – just as you point out.
count_schemula
June 13th, 2011
5:03 pm
Has anyone officially apologized to D Lowe for the bogus DUI arrest? After watching the dash cam, it looks a lot more like a jealous redneck trooper on a power trip than a legit DUI arrest. I’ve been there. Those GSP dudes can be a world of stupidity and hurt.
MatthewH
June 13th, 2011
5:04 pm
monty
June 13th, 2011
4:53 pm
MAtthew H
To your point, at least for this year, the Braves pitchers are on pace to only allow 518 runs this year. Phenominal so far.
Monty (or anyone else) Can you tell me how many runs they allowed last year? I know I could look it up, but I’ll bet it gets answered here before I find it.
teachur
June 13th, 2011
5:04 pm
where are the true fans…..
You spelled ’spelt’ wrong, too:-)
southern hope
June 13th, 2011
5:05 pm
Hillbilly at 4:56….awesome stat!
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
5:05 pm
count
Shoot! Thre are a lot of people that still aren’t sure it WAS bogus.
SoWeGa Fanatic
June 13th, 2011
5:06 pm
Heyward rehabbing in Gwinnett tonight!?
Boatdoc
June 13th, 2011
5:06 pm
DOB: You asked Fredi yesterday if you thought certain Braves were legitimate All-Stars. Curious – who among the team do you see as All-Star selectees?
McCann, Jurrjens, Hanson and Venters seem locks if they continue at current pace, but you could make legitimate arguments for Chipper, Seabass, Eric O’ – and Kimbrell’s 18 saves looks pretty gaudy as well.
Freeman also seems to be among a handful of ROY candidates. His numbers could easily surpass both Jason and Posey last year. Difficult to make All-Star at the position played by Pujols, Fielder, Howard and Votto for the moment.
I don’t know which generates more optimism: 6 straight wins or signs of Uggla’s resuscitation.
Go Braves -
joedub
June 13th, 2011
5:06 pm
I like how Schafer has played, but for me, his .318 OBP isn’t good enough supplant McLouth because Nate can take pitchers deep. If Schafer can get his OBP up to around .350 then I think it’s a different story. I hope he can, because his speed is a great addition to the team.
FYI McLouth’s OBP is around .330. His power numbers are really a lot better than Jordan’s though. Check out their ISO stats for proof.
bfred
June 13th, 2011
5:08 pm
ray k., I’m not going to pretend to try and figure the correlation between the stats you cite and quality pitching but it seems to me a low-scoring team with a great staff would find itself in a lot of close-and-late situations and hitting home runs with nobody on board. Basically the pitchers take care of business but the bats can’t capitalize.
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
5:09 pm
SoWeGA
Heyward in Indy; not Gwinnett, but yeah….rehabbing.
SoWeGa Fanatic
June 13th, 2011
5:09 pm
Nate won’t run and Nate won’t throw.
MikeInFl
June 13th, 2011
5:10 pm
joedub, there’s a certain faction around here who would rather have a bunt single and a stolen base than a home run.
SoWeGa Fanatic
June 13th, 2011
5:10 pm
for Gwinnett.
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
June 13th, 2011
5:11 pm
Oh my…why is BMac batting 3rd against Wandy…?
Whatever…Thanks for the lineup, Chief.
SoWeGa Fanatic
June 13th, 2011
5:11 pm
Ralph
June 13th, 2011
5:11 pm
DOB, are you saying we should pay McOut $3million to lose games for us and see if we can find someplace to put the guy who has sparked this team recently. I would rather pay McOut $3million to sit on the bench and let Scheafer continue doing what he has been doing so long as he does, same goes for the Hinskie vs Heyward situation. I really thought the object to this game was to win ball games.
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
5:12 pm
SoWeGa
Yeah…..FOR Gwinnett. Sorry if I misunderstood there.
Shaun
June 13th, 2011
5:13 pm
David…I love how you’re able to now blog about our great stats. Wasn’t it just a few weeks ago where you were analyzing our really crappy stats. ..well maybe a month or so..time flies. Team is on fire and I just can’t wait for Uggla to turn it on.
I understand why it’s done. It is the reality. But it’s pretty meaningless to pick arbitrary end points, like “the last 6 games” or whatever. I’m thankful that the Braves are doing what they’re doing and I’m glad the media can point to great stats during a stretch of games. Believe me, I’m not opposed to sitting back and enjoying the streak. But we should read to much into any stretch of 6 games, 10 games, 20 games, etc.; that works with both hot streaks and cold streaks. No team is as bad as its worst stretch and no team is as great as its best stretch, particularly if that stretch is 6-10 games or even a month’s worth of games.
By the way, in his defense, I don’t think DOB ever draws conclusions, though he points out stats in small stretches of games. I think he’s more doing it to show realities, not to say “this stretch of games, means the Braves are destined for 100 wins”…or “100 losses”…or whatever.
rammerjammer
June 13th, 2011
5:15 pm
JHey’s gettin’ the Eye of the Tiger.
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
5:15 pm
McFann
Now, now, now…..we went over this LAST time he was batting 3rd and, if I remember correctly, he did OK.
Just hope to see that same little grin I saw yesterday when he hit that home run.
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
June 13th, 2011
5:18 pm
Just Pat—
Yeah…complaining about batting order gets tiresome, anyway. I don’t know why he’s batting third, but if it works out, hey cool…
Besides, he 0-8 in regular-season play against Wandy—just means he’s due.
Just hope to see that same little grin I saw yesterday when he hit that home run.
southern hope
June 13th, 2011
5:18 pm
I’m considering a new Facebook Group — “Let’s Move the World Series to Minute Maid Park”. Hanson can pitch all 4 games.
jeffrey d
June 13th, 2011
5:19 pm
Thanks, DOB
Deedle Nick
June 13th, 2011
5:20 pm
@Jimmy
June 13th, 2011
4:29 pm
“Phillies off tonight, so a 1/2 game swing at stake. The Marlins play at Philly starting Tuesday night.”
Actually it’s a 1 game swing. From either 1½ to 2½ GB
joedub
June 13th, 2011
5:20 pm
MikeInFl – don’t they know chicks dig the long ball?! Or was it the ground ball???…Moylan’s throwing me for a sidearm loop. sheesh!
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
5:21 pm
McFann
Think the beauty of that little grin is that everyone seems to know he’s not doing it to show the pitcher up at all, but more because he’s happy with himself.
Kevin
June 13th, 2011
5:23 pm
Who cares if we owe McLouth $3 million. Make him a bench player when Prado and Heyward are both back. Schafer is the better defensive center fielder….Schafer can steal more bases and can make hits out of groundballs to the infielders. I would make McLouth the bench player when they’re all healthy.
The numbers don’t lie since Schafer’s been up the Braves are 12-4. Schafer may or may not be the future CF for the Braves but right now he’s our best option by a mil.e
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
June 13th, 2011
5:24 pm
Just Pat—
Definitely…and he’s never really shown the pitcher up. I mean, when he hit his second home run of the night in that Saturday home game against the Reds, he sorta stood there for a couple seconds, but I’ve see WAAAY worse than that.
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
5:24 pm
*sigh* Guess I’m too old to be a “chick” anymore ’cause I don’t dig the long ball as much as I dig the win……with or without the long ball.
Murph
June 13th, 2011
5:25 pm
Shaun, can’t you just enjoy the way the Braves are playing instead of always acting like a negative nancy?
The team is winning. They have a nice little win streak going. Just be happy about it instead of pointing out how any stats regarding the winning streak are not indicative of the team’s overall ability.
I hope you aren’t in med school or something. “Congratulations Mr Johnson, your cancer is in remission… for today at least. Statistics show it’ll probably come back and turn you into a drooling vegetable, but for now, you’re still alive. See you next week. Maybe.”
Deedle Nick
June 13th, 2011
5:25 pm
I’ve said this in another blog, but it bears repeating:
When Uggla walked back to the dugout after his blast, he was absolutely STRUTTING. When he went down the steps he got a big hug from Chipper – don’t think the other guys didn’t notice that. Also, Joe Simpson said everybody in the dugout were hi-fiving each other when he hit it.
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
5:27 pm
Murph
LOL! You DO have a certain way with words!
Jay Dubu
June 13th, 2011
5:27 pm
Glad that the Braves are finally scoring some runs, but still skeptical. According to the blogs, this was kinda expected.
Let’s see if they can keep it going against a tougher pitcher tonight, and a tougher team in the Mets on Tuesday.
Snotboogie
June 13th, 2011
5:27 pm
By the way, in his defense, I don’t think DOB ever draws conclusions, though he points out stats in small stretches of games. I think he’s more doing it to show realities, not to say “this stretch of games, means the Braves are destined for 100 wins”…or “100 losses”…or whatever.
If you understand this what was the need for your previous paragraph? No point at all.None.
Linebrink For Cy
June 13th, 2011
5:28 pm
“White Sox mistake Adam Dunn’s”
kinda harsh given just a few days ago that could have read
“Braves mistake Dan Uggla”
bfred
June 13th, 2011
5:28 pm
On the issue of McLouth’s salary, he and Schafer are making the same combined amount regardless of who starts and who sits. $3MM for the rest of the year is not a big number in the scheme of things; I think Fredi has free reign to start who he wants. I also agree that his higher OBP and better power numbers mean he will be starting again when he returns. Schafer is better served getting everyday ABs in Gwinnett than pinch hitting and running, and being a late-game defensive replacement.
Jeff R
June 13th, 2011
5:28 pm
Schafer, I think, returns to Gwinnett when Prado returns to the Braves.
Lowe… When all is said and done, I’ll bet Lowe’s 2011 stats are about where they’re at just about every season: 15 wins, 200 innings, and an ERA near 4.00. The guy’s like a windup toy.
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
5:28 pm
Deedle
But I saw Uggla GIVING a hug to Chipper during one of the previous games, too.
cabravesfan
June 13th, 2011
5:29 pm
Great interview with Mac on MLBN – I’m just happy I finally got to see him do an interview
(No Braves Live for me…)
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
June 13th, 2011
5:30 pm
cabravesfan—
When was this…??
Deedle Nick
June 13th, 2011
5:32 pm
# Just Pateeeee
I guess a hug can go either way, but I’m not sure I’ve ever seen it before, Braves or other teams.
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
5:32 pm
cab
Ws that the one after the game on Sat.?
John Galt
June 13th, 2011
5:32 pm
It is a no-brainer to keep Jordan in center when Nate comes back- the distraction he creates on the bases and his superior defense make him an obvious choice.
Nate may be a better 4th OFer than the other options (other than Hinske) but Schafer is a catalyst- he impacts the offense in ways that do not necessarily show up in stats, IMHO.
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
5:34 pm
Deedle
Oh, I know….it’s usually a pat on the back (or butt) or a fist bump or something, but I DO think it demonstrates the chemistry this team has in the dugout.
joedub
June 13th, 2011
5:34 pm
I’d love it if Wren could deal Lowe to the Yankees and get Andruw back in ATL. Mike Minor or Teheran in the rotation, Hinske from the left side and Andruw from the right to come off the bench in the late innings. That would be sweet.
Murph
June 13th, 2011
5:36 pm
I spent the last few weeks wondering why Heyward was taking so long in his recovery… now that the team is putting things together and winning I’m wondering if he’s coming back too soon.
I’m definitely not a JHey hater… a JHeyter… but now I think he has time to get to the 100% that he wants to be at before he starts playing again.
Boatdoc
June 13th, 2011
5:36 pm
Shaun, I think it was Jim Leyland who said something like “Momentum lasts as long as tomorrow’s starting pitchers”, but experienced players and coaches and managers often talk about the way the team feels – playing… and thinking with confidence – or not. Chipper talks about the way the Braves felt and carried themselves during the 14 year stretch, and the fact that the Yankees and Phillies have had that strut lately.
I don’t think the Braves are going to wade through the Phillies… and Brewers, and Cardinals, and Yankees and Red Sox – the way they’ve had their way with the Fish and ‘Stros on this trip. But I DO think that the other teams are as a-feared of us as we might be of them.
And they should be.
njbraves
June 13th, 2011
5:36 pm
I’m all for dumping Lowe on the Yanks, but i don’t think Andruw is what this team needs. They already have a few guys who go into deep slumps.
John Galt
June 13th, 2011
5:36 pm
I noticed the hug, too, and I agree that it demonstrates a chemistry and camaraderie that has more importance than most people think.
Just a theory, but it also made me wonder if Larry, Sr. may have had a few tips for Uggla?
joedub
June 13th, 2011
5:37 pm
John Galt – it’s all about production, brother
I think Hank Reardon would be a stats guy. Ha!
Deedle Nick
June 13th, 2011
5:38 pm
Damn MLB TV. They cut off the feed seconds after the final out, and we miss even the on-field interviews. Also, tonight’s game will very likely be blacked out because ESPN has a game. Same thing happens with FOX games on Sunday nights.
I live in Florida, 580 miles from Miami (11 miles south of the Alabama line) and all Miami games are blacked out, even when they play in Atlanta.
Jeff R
June 13th, 2011
5:38 pm
I don’t believe the Braves will “dump” Lowe on the Yankees or any team, as long as they’re in contention.
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
5:38 pm
Murph
He SAID he wasn’t coming back until the shoulder felt 100% so……maybe? just maybe…..he feels like it’s there (or so close he can play).
Dennis Reynolds
June 13th, 2011
5:39 pm
Not really fair to call Adam Dunn a mistake.
Sounds like Joe Simpson making fun of Florida for only having 13,000 ppl in the stands while Turner Field is only cramming in 13,001.
Come on DOB, id expect this from a woman (Carroll) but not you.
keylargo
June 13th, 2011
5:39 pm
Deedle – I think what you saw was the entire team being happy for a teammate that is the definition of a hard working player that gives 100% all of the time. No one begrudged him because he was in a genuine slump that is a mystery to all athletes. He endured it without complaint.
cabravesfan
June 13th, 2011
5:39 pm
McFann-
Just about 10 minutes ago
Just Pateeee-
No, it was live (or at least done today- from the park)
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
June 13th, 2011
5:40 pm
The Braves have been huggers for a long time…One of my faves was May 30th, 2007, when a Tim Hudson WP plated the go-ahead run for the Brewers in the bottom of the seventh. The score was 2-1, and Timmy and BMac were TICKED at themselves (Timmy leveled all the bubblegum in the dugout…). BMac came up to bat in the top of the eighth with the bases loaded, and drilled a 2-1 pitch to the right-centerfield gap for a bases clearing Double!
He then scored a run, and upon entering the dugout, Timmy gave him a BIG hug. The Braves won the game 9-3, Timmy got the deserved win, and BMac redeemed himself for the WP, which he thought he should have handled.
MAN, would I love to see that game again!
Boatdoc
June 13th, 2011
5:40 pm
I seem to recall that Lowe after Sept 1st has been as money as any pitcher of the last 10 years. I’m okay with him being .500 and providing innings in the meantime.
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
June 13th, 2011
5:40 pm
cabravesfan—
Aw man……
joedub
June 13th, 2011
5:40 pm
njbraves – all i want andruw to do is pinch hit one time a game against a lefty reliever. his numbers against lefties are still quite good
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
5:42 pm
Deedle
As i understand it…..for “just a few extra dollars”, you can get the on-field and after game interviews (not sure how much). It was given to me free for three months because they screwed up starting my package on time. Trust me…..it wasn’t long….I was on the phone so fast that I only missed a coupla innings!
Jeff R
June 13th, 2011
5:42 pm
Boatdoc… I think Lowe wins 15 games, give or take, posts 200 innings, and has an ERA around 4.00. Seems to be what he does. And, yes, last season Lowe was the Braves’ money pitcher in the stretch.
Snotboogie
June 13th, 2011
5:43 pm
Come on DOB, id expect this from a woman (Carroll) but not you.
Heath
June 13th, 2011
5:43 pm
Winning at a .572 clip (the current winning percentage) for the rest of the year will give the Braves 93 wins… I’ll take it.
Murph
June 13th, 2011
5:43 pm
Sounds like Joe Simpson making fun of Florida for only having 13,000 ppl in the stands while Turner Field is only cramming in 13,001.
I don’t know which of the radio guys it was, but when he said attendance at the second game was better than the first and started counting the fans one by one… that was funny.
If that offends you then I’d suggest sticking to Bible study and anything involving Richard Simmons.
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
5:46 pm
SB
I CHOSE to ignore that post (I’d expect this from a woman, etc.).
Blind Willie Mctell
June 13th, 2011
5:46 pm
Wow DOB, i was actually listening to that album earlier today….
Michael, The Abbreviation
June 13th, 2011
5:46 pm
why is alex gonzalez not playing? why is hicks playing, again? these are the answers the people wanna know!
Deedle Nick
June 13th, 2011
5:47 pm
@ Just Pateeeee
Gotta look into that. ‘preciate it!
jeffrey d
June 13th, 2011
5:48 pm
I think Alex is just getting a day off. So Hicks is playing since he’ll be out.
Bay Area Steve
June 13th, 2011
5:48 pm
Do you folks watch the games, or just kinda listen in the background or something?
These guys hug so often that homophobes throughout the land are afraid to hug their families. They hug more often than audience members at the Oprah finale… more often than the women on the View.
OK, while I don’t know if any of those people hug, I do know the above isn’t funny. (Sorry, we can’t all be Murph.) And that the Braves hug each other. A lot.
Lew,
Well done, sir. Wurlitzer well-awarded. Thanks, rich. Keep ‘er up. And, I vote for the picture of the kid in full game-face. And, that the picture be posted for us all to see (even if Lew has to get McFann to do it).
Snotboogie
June 13th, 2011
5:48 pm
why is alex gonzalez not playing? why is hicks playing, again? these are the answers the people wanna know!
And DOB will provide them once he gets the answers and returns from the clubhouse.
Grincheee
June 13th, 2011
5:51 pm
Uggla was on Buck and Kincaide a little while ago, seems like a really nice, down to earth sort of guy. Definitely a team player. Watching him struggle so much I assumed he’d be kind of manic but he doesn’t come across that way at all. Seems like a friendly, level headed guy anyone would want as a teammate. He gave big props to Atlanta fans as well, in a well considered way rather than a generic thing any player might say.
Oregon Brave
June 13th, 2011
5:53 pm
It’s been fun watching JJ and Tommy make the next step to super stardom. I felt coming into Spring Training that they were both at the old “fork” in the road. Either step it up or plan on being a career journeyman innings eating 4 or 5 slot pitcher in several different teams rotation. I sure rooted for Kevin Millwood but he just never took that big step up. Next year or more likely, 2013, Beachy and Minor will no doubt be at that “fork” in their careers too. Fun to watch the players develop, dont you think? Go Braves.
Brave New World
June 13th, 2011
5:53 pm
The Braves have the 3rd best record in baseball so a dramatic move may not be in order (think Texiera trade). If Uggla continues to improve, and if Heyward and Prado are healthy, it’s like picking up 3 all stars for the rest of 2011. If we can get .260 – .280 with a .350 OBP from Schafer he needs to be our everyday centerfielder. Schafer is a huge plus defensively and he can steal 30+ bases.
Couch Tater
June 13th, 2011
5:55 pm
Heyward’s already beginning a rehab assignment tonight for Triple-A Gwinnett at Indy. Wow
A combination shot of Chippersaidasterol and Olneydiatribozone.
PDOG
June 13th, 2011
5:56 pm
I don’t see a problem with keeping both Schafer and Mclouth with the big club when Prado comes off the DL. The ability of Prado to play 3b, 2b and LF allows the braves to give Chipper, Uggla, Prado, Schafer, Heyward and Mclouth a day off every week which will keep them all fresh for the end of the year. The person who should be send down is either Mather or Conrad.
Dennis Reynolds
June 13th, 2011
5:56 pm
Ahh just what you’d expect from an AJC Braves blog. Talking about the players hugging. Nerds.
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
5:56 pm
OregonBrave
It IS fun watching the players develop and one of the main reasons we try to go to ST every year where they start being showcased in a smaller stadium.
ijudgenot
June 13th, 2011
5:58 pm
Other than the sentimental reason of allowing Hicks to play in front of his hometown folks, I’m having a hard time figuring why he was called up instead of Wilkin Ramirez. Allof the Braves staring outfield is on the DL. Mather, Hinski, Hernandez, and Conrad all can play 3rd base if Chipper rests. Ramirez adds the needed more speed to lineup with rigthanded power that Young does not have. He also is a good outfielder with a good arm. When Braves leave Houston will Ramirez be called up and Hicks or Young be sent down. The guy was Detroit’s top ten prospect like Shafer was for the Braves. Give the kid a shot for a coupe of weeks and se what he can do. Maybe he takes advantage of it like Shafer has. If he does you’ve got a 5 tool player for cheap. Young is a feel good story but will be the victim of the “Peter Principle) as season goes on.
Brave New World
June 13th, 2011
5:58 pm
Different sport, but the Mavs just proved what a team can do against (3) “super stars.” Not exactly the same, but Heat fans sounded an awful lot like Philly fans when they assumed James, Wade, and Bosh would bring them a championship. The “4 aces” of Philadelphia have similar over-amped expectations, although the Philles’ pitchers are not arrogant like LeBron and Wade.
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
6:00 pm
PDOG
Since they’re not expecting Prado back for the rest of this month, there shouldn’t BE a problem until then at least. Also gives Shafer a bit more time to increase his batting average if he can.
Mike S
June 13th, 2011
6:00 pm
Murph @ 5:43, I heard that same thing on the radio; it was Jim Powell counting the Marlins fans one by one, and it was hilarious!
Deedle Nick
June 13th, 2011
6:00 pm
@ Oregon Brave
To paraphrase Yogi, “I hope when they get to the fork, they take it.”
Mike S
June 13th, 2011
6:01 pm
I’ve been out of town the last week and a half, and haven’t really been able to keep up on the blog comments, but are we still time warping, or did that get fixed?
Deedle Nick
June 13th, 2011
6:02 pm
@ Dennis Reynolds
Next time we want to hear from an @ss, we’ll fart.
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
6:03 pm
Mike S
It’s fixed!!!!!
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
6:04 pm
Deedle
No fair!!! You just made me spit my beer!!!!!
MikeInFl
June 13th, 2011
6:05 pm
Braves are 9-5 in Lowe’s starts (.643 winning pct) this year, and 48-33 (.593) for his time in Atlanta.
Frankly, I don’t care if it’s run support, luck, the alignment of the stars, or some league-wide conspiracy to make him a success. He toes the rubber every five days, and more often than not, the Braves win when he pitches.
Makes no sense to trade him during the season. :You cannot assume that kind of record with a rookie like Minor or Teheran, and a couple of games could (probably will) make a big difference.
Deedle Nick
June 13th, 2011
6:06 pm
@ Just Pateeeee
Aaaaw. Sorry. That’s worse than sneezing Pepsi.
Murph
June 13th, 2011
6:06 pm
Ahh just what you’d expect from an AJC Braves blog. Talking about the players hugging. Nerds.
Dennis, if you’re here on the blog who is commenting on the news stories? You didn’t leave the kid that eats paste in charge, did you?
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
6:07 pm
Thanks for the new blog, DOB. Interesting reading.
keylargo
June 13th, 2011
6:07 pm
. If we can get .260 – .280 with a .350 OBP from Schafer he needs to be our everyday centerfielder. Schafer is a huge plus defensively and he can steal 30+ bases.
Well, yes if he can hit .260 – .280 with a .350 OBP he should be the CFer. But he has never done that even in the minors. If he has a line like he does now (.222 /.319 /.270 /..589 ), he belongs in the minor leagues to see if he can improve enough to be a MLB hitter.
And no he can’t steal 30+ bases. He never has, even in the minors. And his stolen base success rate is 63%. You have to have 75% to be a help to the team.
bravefaninok
June 13th, 2011
6:08 pm
Checking in from the Best Western (marrow) we went by Turner field today on our way to the Georgia aquarium…..I am super stoked for the Mets series.The Braves look to be on a roll lately.
Coach (2011 Fredi G. a go!)
June 13th, 2011
6:10 pm
SWEEEEEEEEP!
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
June 13th, 2011
6:11 pm
Oh yeah, that’s right—THANKS FOR FIXING THE TIMEWARP!!!
Mike S
June 13th, 2011
6:11 pm
Sweet! Thanks, Pat. That’s good to hear. That time warp was making it difficult to keep blog conversations going…
Coach (2011 Fredi G. a go!)
June 13th, 2011
6:11 pm
Jordan Schafer is on pace to steal fifty bases.
Deedle Nick
June 13th, 2011
6:13 pm
Just a simple observation:
Of the hundreds of blogs I’ve read since they became popular, this one by far has the highest average number of knowledgeable members. All blogs have outright dumbos, and we get our share. Many of the jerks think that by changing their handle nobody will recognize them, but their style usually gives them away.
In any case, I appreciate DOB’s work making this available.
keylargo
June 13th, 2011
6:14 pm
Jordan Schafer is on pace to steal fifty bases.
You mean we play Houston the rest of the year? Maybe he can with those catchers.
Coach (2011 Fredi G. a go!)
June 13th, 2011
6:16 pm
keylargo……….
doubting thomas
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
6:17 pm
Deedle
Can’t claim to be all that knowledgeable but I AM a huge Braves fan, watch the games, listen to the announcers and read these blogs and comments. Don’t usually waste my time visiting other sites so can’t really compare, but, yes….appreciate both DIB and CR’s efforts on our behalf.
David O'Brien
June 13th, 2011
6:17 pm
Beachy makes rehab start Thursday for Triple-A Gwinnett, then another on Jun3 21, could be activated after that if all goes well.
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
6:18 pm
DOB (not DIB)
Coach (2011 Fredi G. a go!)
June 13th, 2011
6:18 pm
Actually, Schafer has 9 stolen bases. The umpires blew two calls at 2B where he was safe.
MikeInFl
June 13th, 2011
6:19 pm
all our players are in rehab. no wonder we’re not in first place.
cabravesfan
June 13th, 2011
6:20 pm
I chose to ignore that comment as well (about expecting this from a woman). Besides, most of what I wanted to say is unprintable
Oregon Brave
June 13th, 2011
6:21 pm
Deedle Nick: Yogi was certainly one of a kind with many gems. By the way, I like your moniker. Back in the way back years I might have been called something similar. Can’t remember for sure.
David O'Brien
June 13th, 2011
6:21 pm
Heyward will play next 2 days for Triple-A Gwinnett, which is off Wed. It’s possible — possible — could rejoin big club as soon as Wednesday or Thursday, but that just depends upon how he feels. Might stay with Gwinnett a little longer.
I won’t be shocked if he’s playing for Atlanta on Wednesday.
McLouth will begin a rehab assignment real soon, too.
Heath
June 13th, 2011
6:22 pm
With everyone healthy, I’d go with the following 13 position players:
Catcher (2) McCann, Ross
First (1) Freeman
3rd (1) Chipper
SS (2) Gonzalez, Hernandez
2B (2) Uggla, Conrad
OF (5) Schafer, Heyward, Prado, McLouth, Hinske
Prado and Hinske each can back up 1st and 3rd for the extra infielder flexibility. I could be convinced to swap Mather for Conrad since Hernandez can also back up 2B. (I would choose Mather over Young for power, defense, and because he’s right-handed)
Murph
June 13th, 2011
6:23 pm
Just Pat, cabravesfan, McFann, etc… all way more valuable to the blog than one Dennis Reynolds. He must have mommy issues… don’t worry about him.
David O'Brien
June 13th, 2011
6:23 pm
I asked Fredi about playing McLouth and Schafer in same outfield with Heyward, and he made it sound like that’s strong possibility. Said he knows Schafer can play left field, but wasn’t sure if McLouth has any experience there, so he didn’t know who’d play left. But he said that’s why they made sure to play Schafer in all three OF spots in spring.
Kat
June 13th, 2011
6:24 pm
Shaun @ 5:13 you know how to take the wind out of a sail lol.
Sorry that I and it seems others enjoy seeing random good stats over random bad stats..such a flaw as a fan I know. (rolls eyes)
RJB in DC
June 13th, 2011
6:27 pm
In looking at Schafer so far in this year’s stint with the big team, what impresses me (besides his ability to steal bases) is his willingness to finally take what a pitcher is giving him. So far, in his 63 AB’s, of his 16 hits, 14 are for singles. He has nine walks and nine K’s.
It is a small sample size, but looking at his AAA numbers, he only K’ed 28 times in 168 at bats.
He is certainly not looking like the K-machine of 2009, where almost one-third of his AB’s ended in strikeouts.
Bob
June 13th, 2011
6:28 pm
If the Braves trade Lowe to the Yankees, who might we get in return? Wonder if we could include McLousy?
Coach (2011 Fredi G. a go!)
June 13th, 2011
6:28 pm
O yea I almost forgot about this!!!!!!!!!!
As some already know Jose Constanza is enjoying a career season in 2011. He’s hitting .356 with an OBP of .396, while stealing 17 bags.
However, his last ten games have been super human. The speedster is hitting an unbelievable .523 while recording six multi-hit games. What’s even more astonishing is his three 4 hit games while reaching base safely in all ten games played. The kid is smoking hot right now!
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
6:33 pm
cab & Murph
I always consider the source when deciding to respond or not to certain comments. He…….not worth even considering!
Kat
June 13th, 2011
6:33 pm
I made an amazing batch of chili tonight… it’s delicious!
warecal
June 13th, 2011
6:35 pm
@Deedle Nick: Don’t forget: tomorrow we are ALL big Marlins fans. LOL
Dennis Reynolds
June 13th, 2011
6:36 pm
Deedle-
Youre not helping your case making jokes like that.
TexasBrave
June 13th, 2011
6:36 pm
I understand some of the allure of having Schafer in the outfield with Mclouth, but wouldn’t the offense be better served overall if Hinske was in the line up more than Jordan. OBP is about the same for both, but Hinske is 215 pts higher in slugging and 50 pts higher in average. Of course Jordan will steal you some bases, but I rather have someone who will drive in more runs.
Oh My!
June 13th, 2011
6:39 pm
“I don’t think DOB ever draws conclusions, though he points out stats in small stretches of games. I think he’s more doing it to show realities, not to say “this stretch of games, means the Braves are destined for 100 wins”…or “100 losses”…or whatever.”
Really? You think?
Just maybe he does it to illustrate recent history…you know…kind of like “Who’s Hot” and “Who’s Not”..
Small sample size, but DOES illustrate recent history quite well. Understand now?
RJB in DC
June 13th, 2011
6:39 pm
keylargo- And no he can’t steal 30+ bases. He never has, even in the minors.
In fairness, due to injuries and other issues, he really has only had one “full” season in the minors (2007). That year, in 136 games, he had 23 stolen bases.
In his best year (2008), McLouth had 23 stolen bases in 152 games.
I got gout
June 13th, 2011
6:42 pm
When Chippa talks…people listen.
Heath
June 13th, 2011
6:42 pm
TexasBraves -
I love Hinske as a 4th OF. I think as Schafer should continue to get every possible shot to be the every day CF with McLouth, Hinske and Mather rotating for in and out for the other 2 spots until Prado and Heyward are back.
tvsportscaster
June 13th, 2011
6:43 pm
DOB, all Fredi has to do to know whether or not McLouth has played any LF is go back to last year. After the Braves acquired Ankiel and when McLouth came back, he played LF and Ankiel stayed in CF. Schafer needs to stay in CF, and then when Prado comes back, McLouth should be your fourth outfielder.
Boatdoc
June 13th, 2011
6:43 pm
Constanza has #s that are eye-popping with the Braves last in steals. He has 1 less steal than the whole big-league club, and has been caught 15 times less…. with that .356 avg and .396 OBP. Sounds a little like a lead-off hitter to me.
David O'Brien
June 13th, 2011
6:45 pm
Just a day off for Gonzo, folks. Dude is in his mid-30s and playing more than anyone on the team except Freeman and Uggla. And at a physically demanding position….
Person at control of stereo here played Rancid’s “Ruby Soho” AND “Time Bomb” during Astros BP. Braves aren’t getting as good a tunes now that they’re in the cage. Clapton’s “I’ve Got a Rock n Roll Heart” ain’t bad, though.
I got gout
June 13th, 2011
6:46 pm
McOut is the Mike Hampton of the 2000’s.
Oh wait…. forgot Kamakazi
Its tie.
Mike S
June 13th, 2011
6:46 pm
DOB, don’t forget that Wednesday is Heyward bobble-head night. All the more reason for him to be return that night…
(I know that really wouldn’t affect Fredi/Wren’s decision making on activating him, but you have to think J-Hey would like to be back for his first bobble-head night, right?)
John Galt
June 13th, 2011
6:46 pm
DOB-
The defense is so much more important in CF, with regard to ground covered AND arm strength; I hope Fredi doesn’t put McLouth in CF just because he says he’s uncomfortable in LF.
Schafer is clearly a superior centerfielder.
Boatdoc
June 13th, 2011
6:46 pm
DOB: Any update on Prado and his abscess?
Braves Fan in PA
June 13th, 2011
6:47 pm
tvsportscaster do you remember McLouth in LF it was kinda ugly! I am curious if when he rehabs if he plays LF that would be the tell if he might be in LF when he comes back. For the record I like Schafer in CF over McLouth too just not sure the Braves will do that.
Dennis Reynolds
June 13th, 2011
6:47 pm
Interesting, Boatdoc.
I said something about Constanza weeks ago, mentioned it last night and got reamed in here and now he wins an award and everybodys jumping on the bandwagon.
Pathetic.
David O'Brien
June 13th, 2011
6:47 pm
McLouth played 8 games (5 starts) in left field last season, before that his last PT there was 1 game in ‘08.
Roman Gal
June 13th, 2011
6:49 pm
Come on DOB, id expect this from a woman (Carroll) but not you.
Pig.
David O'Brien
June 13th, 2011
6:49 pm
DOB, are you saying we should pay McOut $3million to lose games for us and see if we can find someplace to put the guy who has sparked this team recently. — Ralph
Nope. Not saying that at all.
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
6:49 pm
*chanting under breath….ignore him, he’ll go away; ignore him, he’ll go away*
Mike S
June 13th, 2011
6:52 pm
Yea, if they slid McLouth over to left to let Ankiel play CF, I don’t see why they wouldn’t do the same for Schafer. Ankiel’s got the better arm, but Schafer covers more ground, and he does both better than McLouth does. I would bet it’s McLouth, Schafer, Heyward across the field when both get activated. I’m assuming Hicks and Young will go down then.
The real question will be who goes down when Marteeen comes back…
jeffrey d
June 13th, 2011
6:52 pm
Don’t feed the trolls
David O'Brien
June 13th, 2011
6:52 pm
I asked Freeman about the tape on his hand Sunday, he smiled and said it was just “TV tape,” wouldn’t say more. Fredi G said Freeman told him he wore it just to get people to talk about it or write stories about it, then said he did have blister on his hand from taking extra batting practice, but that it wasn’t a big deal.
braves fan forever
June 13th, 2011
6:54 pm
It is amazing how quickly Heyward gets well after the remarks that Chipper made.Also no McClouth for next year and we need to get rid of him this year.We may be in first by 5games at the end of this month.I hope Prado is doing weel and returns as quick as possible cause I htink Hinskie needs a break.He is getting tooo much running in left field.We still need one more right handed bat with some pop of the bench.We need to be carefull tonite Rodrigeuz is a very good pitcher.Uggla hits a homer tonite as well as chipper braves score 8.final 8 to 3 braves.
Brave New World
June 13th, 2011
6:55 pm
keylargo June 13th, 2011 6:07 pm “And no he can’t steal 30+ bases.”
keylargo: Schafer has 7 steals in about 65 AB’s so far. If he plays a full season and gets about 500 or so at bats, he’s on pace to steal 50+ bases, so, yes he can steal 30+ bases even if he has not yet done so. Of course, as a “true Braves fan” it’s probably more fun for you to trash the players, especially the young ones who haven’t yet played to your discerning expectations. I wonder what you would have said about Bautista of the Jays a few years ago if someone said he could hit with power.
TexasBrave
June 13th, 2011
6:58 pm
Heath – When Mclouth returns he will not sit the bench for any length of time unless he totally stinks it up. Unfortunately the way he played before going on the DL will be enough to keep him in the line up most nights.
I totally agree that when Schafer plays he should be in CF. However, I still say that the offense will be better suited to score more runs if Hinske gets the majority of the playing time until Prado returns.
John Leonard
June 13th, 2011
6:58 pm
I would play Schafer if he could hit 230 and have more walks than K’s.I’m hoping he could do better ,but with his defense I could live with that.McLouth takes bad routes and either can’t or won’t throw,also liked Uggla trying to move Schafer over,maybe the two hole is were we can keep him,with that thinking he may cut down on the K’s.
Mike S
June 13th, 2011
6:59 pm
DOB, you ever go to the Experience Music Project museum out in Seattle? I was out there last week and finally got a chance to go see it. (I’m in Seattle 5-6 times a year for work/family, and had been meaning to go see it forever and just never got a chance. Really glad I finally did.) Pretty awesome place. The temporary exhibit there is about Nirvana, which not only went way into the band and the story behind it, but also went into alot of the late 80’s punk scene that inspired them. You would have loved it. If you are making the Seattle trip in a couple of weeks you should definitely go check out the exhibit, even if you’ve been to EMP before.
You mentioning Clapton just now made me think of it though, cause in the permanent Hendrix exhibit there was this sweet photo of a young Hendrix and Clapton playing together. Was really cool.
jeffrey d
June 13th, 2011
7:00 pm
RG – and to answer your previous question, you’ll have to ask Tomahawkin how long a gripp is.
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
7:03 pm
Bing!
Soldier___!
“Get Out The WAYYYY!!!! (Boom!) Pretty Boy Coming Through! Me And My Crew We Swaggin In The Room!”
Whats Up All?
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
7:04 pm
S/O
To Mike S.
Whats Up Partnah!!!
Are you going to the Games this weekend?
I’m going to 4pm game
faninva
June 13th, 2011
7:04 pm
UVA WINS!! UVA WINS!!
faninva
June 13th, 2011
7:05 pm
WAAAAAAAA-HOOOOOOOO-WAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Roman Gal
June 13th, 2011
7:05 pm
I don’t think I want to…
Mike S
June 13th, 2011
7:07 pm
Sup, T! No, heading up to NYC on Thursday for a long weekend, so won’t be able to hit the Ted this weekend. Going to try to get there Wednesday night for J-Hey Bobblehead Night though…
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
7:08 pm
Mike S.
I’m going to the Saturday 4pm game but I will be there around 1pm to tailgate and then as usual I will be at the 2nd Level Patio area of the Chophouse Hanging on the Railing with my Danny Glover’s (Throwback shades) on
Bravesgrl4life will be there
The Grinch might make a Cameo?
Ditto that for groundfog as well…
Heath
June 13th, 2011
7:08 pm
TexasBrave:
I’d continue to give a bunch of time to Hinske; love that guy. I can understand giving the majority of the LF time to McLouth once Heyward and McLouth is back amd making Hinske the 4th OF and the number 1 PH. He excels as a PH.
Lew
June 13th, 2011
7:08 pm
faninva- Roadsaw and Iron Fire.
jeffrey d
June 13th, 2011
7:09 pm
Wow, speak of the devil
Joe P
June 13th, 2011
7:10 pm
Jason Heyward just doubled to opposite field during his first at bat tonight.
bgvt
June 13th, 2011
7:11 pm
J-Hey with a double and a run scored in the top of the first in his rehab assignment.
Mike S
June 13th, 2011
7:11 pm
Yea, jeffrey, all you had to do was start talking his language…
Pudge
June 13th, 2011
7:12 pm
DOB, I told my son, who’s 14, about Chipper naming his kid “Shea” due to his successes at the Met’s old ball park. His comment was “you think B-Mac will name his kid Minute Maid?”
Beeg Alvin 23769
June 13th, 2011
7:13 pm
It won’t be an easy situation when all the Braves outfielders get healthy. Think about it. Martin is going to be in left field and should be unless he’s playing third when Chipper is out. It would make more sense to have Schafer in center due to the results the Braves seem to enjoy when he leads off. But perhaps the biggest shame of all is that Heyward is the golden boy and the fact is he is going to be in the lineup even though he has had two good months in his one and a half year career.
What does that mean? It means that Hinske is going to have a harder time finding AB’s. It doesn’t matter what role Hinske signed on to play, the fact is he’s a team leader in HR’s and run generation. I am not looking forward to seeing him on the bench while someone less productive is in the starting lineup….. even though the team has put all it’s eggs in the budding superstar basket.
I see Delta is sponsoring the J.Hey bobblehead night. I hope Delta is not the kiss of death. I remember a young Jeff Francouer hitting balls all the way to Europe in a Delta commercial. That didn’t exactly work out that well for Frenchy OR the Braves.
Hope J. Hey turns into a superstar…. but so far…. he is nothing more than potential. He’s fragile as glass.
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
7:13 pm
jeffrey d
“RG – and to answer your previous question, you’ll have to ask Tomahawkin how long a gripp is.”
Gripp =’s long time…Just like I haven’t been to a Braves Game in a Gripp!
T-Hawkin doesn’t do weekday games, They are Wack…They are not worth the time spent playing in FUBAR Atlanta Traffic
Mike S
June 13th, 2011
7:15 pm
Should be fun T’hawkin. I’ll have to look for you and your Danny Glovers on TV. I’ll be watching the game on my phone up in NY, as we’ll be at the Governor’s Ball Music Festival up there that day. Girl Talk and Big Boi are both performing, as well as Pretty Lights, Passion Pit, and a bunch of other bands and DJ’s. Should be awesome, just hopefully this heat wave will pass before then!
Deedle Nick
June 13th, 2011
7:15 pm
Pudge, tell your son he’s got a great wit!
TexasBrave
June 13th, 2011
7:15 pm
Heath what I am saying is that I would give him time in LF once Heyward AND Mclouth are both back. I like Schafer, but Hinske gives us more offense and that is what is needed most right now.
Roman Gal
June 13th, 2011
7:19 pm
Thanks, Tomahawkin’, for the vocabulary lesson. I’ll have to use that word against cabravesfan in our game of Words…
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
June 13th, 2011
7:21 pm
Roman Gal—
You play Words?
Roman Gal
June 13th, 2011
7:22 pm
McFann-
Yep, sure do.
Mitchie-san
June 13th, 2011
7:24 pm
I might be in the minority here, but I think bobbleheads in any fashion are stupid. I dont get it.
MikeInFl
June 13th, 2011
7:25 pm
That year, in 136 games, he had 23 stolen bases.
Well yeah, and he was caught 15 times. You can get away with that in the minors, but in the majors the manager would tie your shoelaces together to keep you from running.
Look, there’s not much getting around it: Schafer has shown the ability to hit A, A+ and AA pitching. But he’s shown next to nothing against more advanced stuff. I think most of us like him just fine, and would love to see him succeed. But there’s not much to indicate that right now.
He’s still young, and he has had to fight injuries, so maybe he’ll figure it out. But I think those of you grasping for any way to demonstrate that he’s “ready” are just setting yourselves up for disappointment.
Hope I’m wrong. Really!
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
7:26 pm
Has anyone had the McCann’s Burgers at Turner Field in CF? They talk about them all the time on the Buck and Kincade Show? I might have to get one Saturday…
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
7:27 pm
Tomahawkin
Doesn’t “gripp” have Irish origins?
Boatdoc
June 13th, 2011
7:29 pm
Dennis -
1. I didn’t read anything you or anyone else said about Constanza weeks ago.
2. You said that you “got reamed in here”, but please point out a single instance where I was one of the reamers.
3. Do you find things working out for you – calling people who agree with you “pathetic”?
I usually call them “friend” or at least “friendly”.
mathman
June 13th, 2011
7:29 pm
JHey with a double and run scored in the first inning tonight for Gwinnett. Need him in the lineup. Maybe by Friday.
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
June 13th, 2011
7:31 pm
Roman Gal—
Cool! If you ever want, you cann start up a game with me—name’s on the Blog.
Heath
June 13th, 2011
7:32 pm
TexasBrave -
I think we agree on Hinske… just not on McLouth vs. Schafer. McLouth proves more power (Braves, ironically, do not need that since they are 3rd in the NL in HRs)… but Schafer is a better lead-off hitter and a better base-steeler, of which we lack greatly as a team. My personal starting OF would be Hinske, Schafer, and Heyward until Prado comes back… but I don’t see McLouth being completely resigned to the bench. As such, I would rotate him and Hinske in and out.
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
7:33 pm
JHey said he’d come back when his shoulder felt 100% (which I think is what hacked a lot of people off) and I doubt that what Chipper said OR the bobblehead night have a thing to do with it. In fact, seeing that the team is doing “OK” without him may have made him decide to stay out longer if he didn’t feel that much closer to 100%.
Bravo_fan 52
June 13th, 2011
7:34 pm
do they play Delbert McClinton there DOB I think he is from Houston he is a bad motor scooter
Roman Gal
June 13th, 2011
7:34 pm
McFann-
Ok, I just did. Prepare to die. (smirk)
mathman
June 13th, 2011
7:35 pm
Disagree with some of you on McLouse. Don’t think Fredi is going to bench Schafer, 4th on the team in OBP, leading in SB’s, and the team 12-4 with him starting in CF and leading off. I look for McLouth to be put in LF when he returns until Prado returns. I look for Heyward to bump Hinkse to LF to share with McLouse. McLouse looks to be the 4th OF. Poor arm and not as good at anything in CF as Schafer.
Clarence
June 13th, 2011
7:35 pm
Trade Schafer, Prado and Hinske for Prince Fielder.
N Nine
June 13th, 2011
7:35 pm
Even John Kruk giving Braves some love! =D
N Nine
June 13th, 2011
7:36 pm
=D @ Clarence.
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
June 13th, 2011
7:36 pm
Roman Gal—
Uh-oh…
Crazy Trade Idea...
June 13th, 2011
7:36 pm
Lowe/McLouth for Choo and we eat the salary for the rest of the year. Choo is down due to his DUI and is likely to rebound at some point… now’s as good a time to buy him at a low price as any.
Boatdoc
June 13th, 2011
7:37 pm
Krukster usually shows professional respect for the Bravos.
jeffrey d
June 13th, 2011
7:37 pm
RG – find me. It’s my first 2 initials (….JD) and last name)
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
June 13th, 2011
7:38 pm
Hey, it’s not showing up on my game yet…my iTouch is SUCH a buttscreen sometimes…
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
June 13th, 2011
7:39 pm
Don’t play with jeffrey d! He’s impossible…
(JP, jeffrey…)
cabravesfan
June 13th, 2011
7:41 pm
jeffrey won’t play with me
T for Texas
June 13th, 2011
7:41 pm
Marlins are strugglin’.
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
7:41 pm
NOticed that everyone else has given up their “e’s” for Marteen. Is that because he’s on the DL? Doesn’t he need that love now more than ever?
cabravesfan
June 13th, 2011
7:41 pm
Ok…that sounded…not the way I meant it to
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
June 13th, 2011
7:41 pm
cabravesfan—
He’s mean…
Tired of being sensored
June 13th, 2011
7:41 pm
I have valid points 2 make. Oters make fun of me yet Im the 1 that gets sensored.
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
June 13th, 2011
7:42 pm
cabravesfan—
Crazy Trade Idea...
June 13th, 2011
7:42 pm
Aside from Stolen bases, the lack of team speed is also evident in the number of 3Bs the Braves have hit… 5… yep, that’s it. And yep, you guessed it, last in the NL.
Roman Gal
June 13th, 2011
7:43 pm
McFann-
I assume is just the name we all know you by here, right? If not, will the real
Slim ShadyMcFann please stand up?Mike S
June 13th, 2011
7:43 pm
“me fail English? that’s unpossible!”
cabravesfan
June 13th, 2011
7:43 pm
McFann-
You just figured that out??
Venice Jim
June 13th, 2011
7:44 pm
Ok…that sounded…not the way I meant it to
My thought too…
Heath
June 13th, 2011
7:45 pm
Team speed is another reason I think Schafer will continue to get every chance to be a regular.
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
June 13th, 2011
7:45 pm
Roman Gal—
Yep, that’s the one! I added the Turtles (the regular ones, not the dancing ones)…don’t know if that’s causing you problems. If so, sorry about that…
EGAD!! So there’s ANOTHER McFann out there??
cabravesfan—
Well, I’ve always been suspicious…
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
7:47 pm
McFann
And why do you think she and VJ get along so well?
jeffrey d
June 13th, 2011
7:47 pm
jeffrey won’t play with me
What?? I thought you didn’t want to play with Words with me. First initials (JD), last name
Boatdoc
June 13th, 2011
7:48 pm
A thought about those who use ee’s for Mr. Prado. While the great Roberto Clemente was in Pittsburgh writers often wrote out his verbal responses phonetically. He hated it.
Don’t know about our hopefully-healing-fast All-Star, but I don’t presume that players encourage creative phonetic misspelling on their behalf.
Mike S
June 13th, 2011
7:48 pm
Heyward coming to bat for the second time tonight…
MariettaDerek
June 13th, 2011
7:48 pm
Let’s hope the braves can get a little DOUBLE PITS TO CHESTY with it tonight and that Matty Young doesn’t eat too many BBQ sunflower seeds before the game.
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
June 13th, 2011
7:49 pm
Just Pat—
Hmm…good point…
Roman Gal—
Cab just gave your name—I started up a game!
cabravesfan
June 13th, 2011
7:49 pm
VJ-
Am I doing updates for you tonight?
Billy
June 13th, 2011
7:49 pm
I think Kimbrel’s 48 K’s in just 32 innings is eye-popping too…
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
7:50 pm
WAS headed home but hafta stick around for JHey’s second at bat. Mike S……you WILL inform us, right?
Venice Jim
June 13th, 2011
7:50 pm
I do not anticipate the need for doing so…
cabravesfan
June 13th, 2011
7:50 pm
jeffrey-
are you JD in caps?
cabravesfan
June 13th, 2011
7:51 pm
VJ-
ok
Mike S
June 13th, 2011
7:51 pm
J-Hey pops out to 3rd baseman in foul territory. Guy made a nice diving catch. Heyward actually swung at a first pitch too (fouled it back), haven’t seen that in quite awhile…
Tired of being sensored
June 13th, 2011
7:53 pm
Again they are playin a horible Astros team. They are suposed 2 beat them. Lets not get 2 far ahed of areselfs until the season winds down. Where not even at the all star brake.
OptimisticInTexas
June 13th, 2011
7:53 pm
I’m just mad I couldn’t make the trip to Houston for these awesome Braves games…. bummed.
Just Pateeeee
June 13th, 2011
7:53 pm
Mike S….thanks……I guess.
G’night, guy-o-s…….home to watch the Braves.
Mike S
June 13th, 2011
7:54 pm
next AB, Mauro Gomez just misses a HR. Double off the wall in RF, just inches from going over. Do we have ourselves Barbaro Junior??
LTBF
June 13th, 2011
7:55 pm
Reading DOB’s blog it looks like he thinks whe NATE and JASON get back the Braves will send JORDAN back to G BRAVES. NOT GOOD! 12-4 with JORDAN in CF. I don’t care what his batting ave is, he has jump started our offence. KEEP HIM HERE IN CF.
jeffrey d
June 13th, 2011
7:57 pm
I didn’t think it was case sensitive
LTBF
June 13th, 2011
7:58 pm
Almost gametime, so outta here. We need a win tonight. Have a good one y’ll. LETS DO IT BRAVES.
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
7:58 pm
Gametime!
“All Da Way Turn’t Up!”
Bob Horner had a sweet compact swing
June 13th, 2011
8:01 pm
im with LTBF on schafer
TexasBrave
June 13th, 2011
8:04 pm
I am sorry to say that they will not sit Mclouth over Schafer this season unless Nate does extra poorly or we fall out of the playoff hunt. Doesn’t matter what tangibles Jordan has over Nate, Fredi G is not going to set a million dollar man over a rookie.
I think someone yesterday proved that although SB’s are nice they are not the end all for scoring more runs and thus translating into more wins. The run of late is nice that we have had with Schafer but it will not matter once Nate, Heyward and Prado returns.
I agree will all who have said that Mclouth looks like the fourth outfielder on the team. I would go one further that he is possibly the 5th outfielder behind Hinske. But lets be realistic, Nate starts over Schafer once Heyward and Prado returns barring injury, trading Nate (not likely), total collapse by Nate or out of the playoff hunt.
alex
June 13th, 2011
8:04 pm
braves outfield:prado vs hinske vs mclouth vs schaefer vs heyward,hmmm let’s call it the “free market” outfield where the hardest working, most productive players get to play-interesting concept! with all the injuries and the games off the ‘modern players ‘ have, all will get an opportunity;may the best men win
RJB in DC
June 13th, 2011
8:05 pm
The question isn’t how well J-Hey bats today, but what the shoulder feels like tomorrow morning. If he can swing the bat tomorrow without discomfort, he’ll be back in a hurry.
richbrave
June 13th, 2011
8:07 pm
So I’m guessing wahoo-wa means VIRGINIA won their Supes.
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
8:08 pm
Nice Start!
Got to get one here!
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
8:08 pm
Way to get it started, Jordan!
Couch Tater
June 13th, 2011
8:08 pm
McLouth!!!
T for Texas
June 13th, 2011
8:10 pm
As someone posted earlier, Schafer’s numbers overall are not great, but his numbers leading off the game (3 for 3 with a BB this series) and leading off an inning are outstanding. That is clutch lead off hitting.
N Nine
June 13th, 2011
8:11 pm
Uggla not forcing things.
richbrave
June 13th, 2011
8:12 pm
Nice start to the contest by the top of the line-up.
Najeh Davenpoop
June 13th, 2011
8:12 pm
They gotta find a way to keep Schafer in the lineup. He brings something to the Braves that nobody else does. You need speed and a high on base in the leadoff spot. Schafer has speed and an on base percentage 100 points higher than his batting average. Presumably even if Schafer can get his average up around the .250-.260 mark his on base is going to be pretty high if that continues.
Maybe they can use Prado in multiple positions like they did with Omar last year and give different people the day off each day. Play him in left one day and sit Nate, play him at 3rd the next day and sit Chipper, etc.
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
8:13 pm
Come On Fab 5 Freddie!
CaptainUgglaMudderland
June 13th, 2011
8:15 pm
Just on and see two runners and no outs…..got some cokes and two outs……too fast…..Let’s get em home Joe!
veer
June 13th, 2011
8:15 pm
Mather will cost us here. If not for the Angels series he would been released.
I don’t trust this guy in driving these runs home
cabravesfan
June 13th, 2011
8:16 pm
Wandy Rodriguez looked really annoyed when the catcher came out to talk to him…
richbrave
June 13th, 2011
8:16 pm
Obviously, WANDY wants MATHER.
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
8:17 pm
Mather 0 for his last 13 Uggghhhh!!!!!!!!!!!
At least we made Wandy work…
Linebrink For Cy
June 13th, 2011
8:17 pm
the bottom of the order does not look pretty on paper: mather, hicks, and young
veer
June 13th, 2011
8:18 pm
pathetic at bat by Mather. What a pathetic player. Hinkse should been there. Come on. mather just disgusts me
richbrave
June 13th, 2011
8:18 pm
Diet of curveballs inside
MariettaDerek
June 13th, 2011
8:19 pm
Wow, that was a really terrible inning.
N Nine
June 13th, 2011
8:19 pm
That guy has no clue. He swung on a ball in the dirt and then finished off on a pitch wayy up. 2nd half of lineup looks rough.
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
8:20 pm
@Veer
“Mather will cost us here. If not for the Angels series he would been released.
I don’t trust this guy in driving these runs home”
Co-Sign on that…But to add to that all 3 of our starting OF’s caught the injury bug otherwise he’d be in Gwinnett as well
lol, I almost started one of My “Bet they Don’t Score Here! Watch” Threads when Joe Ma came to bat
CaptainMudderland
June 13th, 2011
8:20 pm
Word to Fredi…..you don’t have to play everyone, play your best nine guy—it does mather.
richbrave
June 13th, 2011
8:21 pm
Away, away, away
CaptainMudderland
June 13th, 2011
8:22 pm
I want Hinske and I’m a bit pissed
Angry Heat fan/Happy Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
8:22 pm
I’ve been so angry the last week or so at my pathetic excuse for a basketball team, I’ve been overlooking my awesome baseball team. GO BRAVES!!
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
8:22 pm
Marlins Getting Slapped 8-0
Ouch!
Nice Stab by Fab 5 Freddie, That saved an error!
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
8:22 pm
Nice scoop, Freddie!
veer
June 13th, 2011
8:23 pm
Hicks sure can’t play 3B or SS can he?
T for Texas
June 13th, 2011
8:23 pm
Man, these Houston announcers are poor. And one of them just celebrated his 25th anniversary. Amazing to me, as it has only been four days and I can’t take them anymore.
richbrave
June 13th, 2011
8:23 pm
LOWE looked good there. Pitches all low in the zone or under control outside
Chris from the Rock
June 13th, 2011
8:23 pm
Hicks has locked sketchy at SS, and if he doesn’t play great defense he’s worthless.
LOB Braves
June 13th, 2011
8:23 pm
Is that not typical of the Braves’ first inning. Every single time. If its not Mr. No-Clutch Gonzalez striking out with the bases loaded it is Joe Mather (who sux out loud).
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
8:24 pm
Good 1st inning by DLowe
richbrave
June 13th, 2011
8:24 pm
Change-ups inside, sliders away, cutter for the out.
TB
June 13th, 2011
8:25 pm
looking good D.L,
veer
June 13th, 2011
8:25 pm
Mather should be released. He doesn’t belong in the majors. Contanza, feel sorry for the guy tearing up AAA and yet we are stuck with Mather.
richbrave
June 13th, 2011
8:25 pm
DEREK looked sharp
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
8:27 pm
Yeah I agree, SKE needs to be in the lineup while he is hot hitting in this Bandbox…
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
June 13th, 2011
8:27 pm
I don’t like Wandy, BTW…
Angry Heat fan/Happy Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
8:28 pm
These guys are all awesome to me, because no matter how much they struggle, none of them is a giant tool like Lebron James. BRAVES ALL THE WAY!!
Stizz
June 13th, 2011
8:28 pm
Its a good problem to have Schafer vs. McClouth, but due to contractural issues I believe Nate plays, even with him being the lesser player. I just .don’t think he has the drive to play in Atlanta. Just seems as though he would want to play somewhere where there is nearly no pressure on him.
Chris from the Rock
June 13th, 2011
8:28 pm
Is Julio Lugo ready to be recalled yet? Hicks can’t hit his way out of a wet paper bag.
CaptainMudderland
June 13th, 2011
8:29 pm
Minor league effort
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
8:29 pm
T For Texas
I’m not sure who the other dude is, But I used to like listening to Jim DeShaies (Spelling) when I lived in Arkansas…
veer
June 13th, 2011
8:29 pm
6-7-8-9 hitters will be pathetic. We won’t score any runs today. Why sit Hinske? why sit Gonzalez? Freedie wants to lose this game?
TB
June 13th, 2011
8:29 pm
boy that mather and hicks.
cabravesfan
June 13th, 2011
8:30 pm
Even on the DL, there is still only one “c” in McLouth
MariettaDerek
June 13th, 2011
8:30 pm
6 thru 9 hitters tonight are basically automatic outs.
richbrave
June 13th, 2011
8:30 pm
Ouch, pull the trigger. Right down the heart of the plate. Curve inside strike. 2-seam fastball is what he has command of early. Carved HICKS up, but his control is off on his four-seamer. Curve, change-up, 2-seam fastball good control tonight.
Chris from the Rock
June 13th, 2011
8:31 pm
Not So Mighty Matt Young needs to go back to AAA too. It’s Constanza time!
Moe Berg
June 13th, 2011
8:32 pm
Hinske is not good against lefties. And on the Mather vs Constanza question, is the latter on the 40-man roster?
Innocent Bystander
June 13th, 2011
8:32 pm
DLowe is working as fast as Mad Dog used to. It’s almost as if he’s… racing.
N Nine
June 13th, 2011
8:32 pm
We cleared the pitcher spot!
CaptainMudderland
June 13th, 2011
8:33 pm
@AngryHeatFan/……LeBron and the other two were on stage when he came over and the gushing Heat fans….well you know…Ole LeBone let the championship predictions fly and the whole affair–at least rhetorically–appeared like a big high school pep rally. LOL, what a joke that vid is!
Hugo Z Hackenbush
June 13th, 2011
8:34 pm
No Moe, he’s not. Somebody would have to be DFAed.
Venice Jim
June 13th, 2011
8:34 pm
JJ should be playing outfield – at least he can bunt better than those guys can hit…
Najeh Davenpoop
June 13th, 2011
8:34 pm
So… why Hicks today and not Diory Hernandez?
JasonInFL
June 13th, 2011
8:34 pm
Someone come back so Matty Young can go back to AAA. We need a bench player as well. Mather isn’t very well either.
richbrave
June 13th, 2011
8:34 pm
Chris from the Rock
June 13th, 2011
8:28 pm
Is Julio Lugo ready to be recalled yet? Hicks can’t hit his way out of a wet paper bag.
Last two games, LUGO’s heating it up with the bat. JULIO 1-3 tonight.
brian
June 13th, 2011
8:35 pm
I love watching Schafer in the OF
CaptainMudderland
June 13th, 2011
8:35 pm
Question….can Hinske not ‘get better’ versus lefties?
Moe Berg
June 13th, 2011
8:35 pm
Thanks Hugo. That’s what I thought. Just wondering why all the clamoring for someone not on the roster.
Stizz
June 13th, 2011
8:35 pm
I see some are sensitive to the correct spelling of Nate’s last name.
brian
June 13th, 2011
8:36 pm
Hicks has family in Houston – probably got him the nod over Diory. Plus Diory can actually pinch hit
Moe Berg
June 13th, 2011
8:37 pm
“So… why Hicks today and not Diory Hernandez?”
A courtesy start, perhaps? He is from Houston; give him the chance to play in front of friends and family.
richbrave
June 13th, 2011
8:37 pm
HEYWARD 1-2, run scored, BB, in three so far
Chris from the Rock
June 13th, 2011
8:37 pm
I saw Lugo had 3 base knocks last night. He’s certainly an improvement over Hicks and probably Hernandez.
kevkat
June 13th, 2011
8:38 pm
sometimes i think Lowe pitches to fast..he throws alot of pitches
abeeeewright
June 13th, 2011
8:38 pm
2011 stats
McLouth … 164 AB, .238/.332/.341 (21 BB/33 SO)
Schafer … 63 AB. .222/.319/.270 (9 BB/9 SO)
Mather … 62 AB, .242/.299/.355 (5 BB/16 SO)
Young … 42 AB, .190/.261/.190 (4 BB/5 SO)
Heyward … 140 AB, .214/.317/.407 (29 BB/34 SO)
Prado … 256 AB, .277/.324/.438 (18 BB/30 SO)
There’s your outfield candidates. McNate has much better stats this year than the other “pretenders” (Mather, Young, and Schafer). Young will obviously get the send-down when Heyward comes back.
Venice Jim
June 13th, 2011
8:38 pm
“Some” is a very sensitive person…
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
8:38 pm
“E.I. E.I. Ut-OHHHHH!!!!”
That Junk Bumpin!
I love the music they Play at the Juicebox!
veer
June 13th, 2011
8:39 pm
HICKS CAN’T TURN A DP EVEN. WHY IS HE WITH ATLANTA?
cabravesfan
June 13th, 2011
8:39 pm
Constanza is a 27 year old career minor league singles hitter who is also not on the 40 man roster. It doesn’t even look like he’s spent a day in the majors. Not sure why some are convinced he would be an improvement over what we have…
T for Texas
June 13th, 2011
8:40 pm
T’Hawkin’–
You like the Stros announcers? No kidding? Well, to each their own. They don’t stomp on the game the way some guys do (Rob Dibble) But they certainly don’d add to the game for me like Vin Scully, Grace and Sutton, or the Mets boys do.
veer
June 13th, 2011
8:40 pm
walk towels n face Pitcher
cabravesfan
June 13th, 2011
8:40 pm
“some” just get annoyed when certain names are constantly misspelled.
veer
June 13th, 2011
8:41 pm
cabbravesfan are you saying Mather is better than Constanza?
richbrave
June 13th, 2011
8:41 pm
Come on LOWE. Don’t let them turn the line-up over.
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
8:42 pm
Good Grief Hicks!
Thanks Fab 5 Freddie for the Save!!! Dude is a Goalie over there
Linebrink For Cy
June 13th, 2011
8:43 pm
Hicks needs to hurry up and go back to the minors ……
abeeeewright
June 13th, 2011
8:43 pm
Geebus! Hicks can’t seem to throw from SS! Isn’t this guy supposed to be a defensive wizard? Or am I thinking of someone else?
richbrave
June 13th, 2011
8:43 pm
cabravesfan
June 13th, 2011
8:39 pm
Constanza is a 27 year old career minor league singles hitter who is also not on the 40 man roster. It doesn’t even look like he’s spent a day in the majors. Not sure why some are convinced he would be an improvement over what we have…
Because he’s not up here making outs at the moment.
Chris from the Rock
June 13th, 2011
8:43 pm
Well evidenced by hit .356 BA, Constanza’s hitting a lot of those singles. I’ll take those over Young’s groundouts.
Kat
June 13th, 2011
8:43 pm
Hicks is causing me some mini heart attacks on plays that should be a piece of cake .
veer
June 13th, 2011
8:43 pm
WHY THE HELL IS HICKS PLAYING? COME ON THAT’S A 3RD PLAY HE MISPLAYED TONIGHT. FAILED TO TURN DP. ALMOST AN ERROR IN 1ST INNING AND NOW A PATHETIC THROW TO 1B THAT WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN 1 OR MAYBE 2 RUNS.
HICKS GET OUT OF ATLANTA. YOU ARE A MINOR LEAGUER
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
8:43 pm
Freddie again rescuing Hicks!
cricket
June 13th, 2011
8:43 pm
our bench today can beat up their bench
JasonInFL
June 13th, 2011
8:43 pm
Uggs going yard?
bravefaninok
June 13th, 2011
8:43 pm
freddie saves so many errors ,he shouldn’t have to buy his own dinner all year.
N Nine
June 13th, 2011
8:43 pm
AGON got his two inning break, time for him to come in. Hicks is scaring the @#$%^….
T for Texas
June 13th, 2011
8:43 pm
May have to drop the ‘e’ off of Freddi(e)’s name, given all the Errors he is eliminating.
Kat
June 13th, 2011
8:44 pm
“@GwinnettBraves1 #Heyward a great running catch in RF into the bullpen; & later makes a good throw to plate on fly ball with man on 3rd to hold runner.”
cabravesfan
June 13th, 2011
8:44 pm
veer-
Didn’t say that. But Mather has had some success at the major league level, has some power and can play all the outfield positions as well as 1st and 3rd base. As a bench player that makes him more valuable then someone that, in 7 years, has not even had a September call up to pinch hit.
veer
June 13th, 2011
8:44 pm
Hicks can’t field or Hit. why is he In atlanta?
keylargo
June 13th, 2011
8:44 pm
What’s Freddie’s nickname jeffrey d?
“Two Scoops” has his quota already tonight.
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
8:45 pm
T For Tezas
T-Hawkin
“You like the Stros announcers? No kidding? Well, to each their own.”
I like most all commentators excluding these 3…
Blow Buck
Tim McSlobber
And Jeff Brantley
Venice Jim
June 13th, 2011
8:45 pm
There are some here tonight who seem to be verging on apoplexy, but maybe the capitals just mask their merry mood…
Tomas
June 13th, 2011
8:46 pm
I don’t what Cox saw when he said Hicks was a great defensive shortstop, but in from what has been shown on tv, during regular season/spring training he hasn’t been. Makes a lot of bad throws
Braves Fan in PA
June 13th, 2011
8:46 pm
A little late but those wanting to follow heyward can here
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_06_13_gwiaaa_indaaa_1
Moe Berg
June 13th, 2011
8:47 pm
The announcers said that AGon is 2-for-22 against Wandy Rodriguez. Probably an okay night to let him rest.
TB
June 13th, 2011
8:47 pm
lead off the game with double now trying to bunt,
rrosson3
June 13th, 2011
8:48 pm
id trade mclouth and pay part of his salary just to have a prado, schafer, heyward outfield. its gunna happen next year why wait?
or id, dont cry, but id trade JJ and schafer to boston for jacoby ellsbury. jj will be arbitration eligible and will likely get a nice raise and hes a scott boras client so could prove to be pretty pricey.
cabravesfan
June 13th, 2011
8:48 pm
Just what Mac needs…
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
June 13th, 2011
8:49 pm
Jeez, BMac getting pelted in this series!
richie_rich1986
June 13th, 2011
8:50 pm
Lets be honest here now, JS is our future CF he has been before he broke something in his hand. I understand that McLouth is owed 3 more million this year but in all honesty isn’t it suppose to be the best player playing? This is Daddy’s ball anymore. I thought the point was to win ballgames and the Braves have a better chance at winning with Schafer leading off. McLouth has never and will never be a leadoff hitter. Wasn’t he the Bucs cleanup hitter? Have we ever thought the transition from cleanup to leadoff would be a little difficult? Could yal imagine Brian McCann, ARod, Ryan Howard, Albert Pujols hitting leadoff? Not saying McLouth was anywhere near these players mentioned caliber but cleanup is a lot different working on setting the table!
N Nine
June 13th, 2011
8:50 pm
Hicks can’t field or Hit. why is he In atlanta?
He’s in Houston last time i checked.
Stizz
June 13th, 2011
8:50 pm
Yeah VJ,
I think we need to type with the kiddie gloves tonight.
Seth
June 13th, 2011
8:50 pm
Tommy Hanson is a some what good ball thrower . He will never be as good as greg was tho ..Tommy Hanson has a huge red beard also ..um what for? its 99 F in atlanta ? beards are for winter But he could be a good player as he matures and grows with age…30s plus …:)
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
8:51 pm
Come On Fab 5 Freddie!!!
Lets Do This!
bravefaninok
June 13th, 2011
8:51 pm
Drive em in Freddie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Venice Jim
June 13th, 2011
8:52 pm
Stizz – actually, I’m usually correcting her spelling on non-Braves’ names…
N Nine
June 13th, 2011
8:53 pm
Freddie is officially in a slump.
Venice Jim
June 13th, 2011
8:53 pm
or id, dont cry, but id trade JJ and schafer to boston for jacoby ellsbury
Not a problem – if I cried every time I read a ridiculous trade proposal on the blog, I’d have already contracted Terminal Weepiness…
Hugo Z Hackenbush
June 13th, 2011
8:53 pm
cab, Mather is the girl we brought to the dance, and Constanza is the hot babe with bedroom eyes that we spy from across the room.
richie_rich1986
June 13th, 2011
8:54 pm
@rrosson,
I agree with your last quote. I go to a lot of the Braves spring training activities and have had many dicussions with JJ we have gotten to know eachother quite a bit the past 2 years and inbetween fields we were talking and he was like man look at all these young pitchers in the Braves organization. JJ is pitching his way out of Atlanta right now, we won’t be able to afford him. I don’t like the idea of trading him now for the future, but I’m going to hate to see him go for nothing even though we did get him for Edgar Renteria lol.
Linebrink For Cy
June 13th, 2011
8:54 pm
what’s the term for 7 straight Ks? A Mariachi Band?
ray k.
June 13th, 2011
8:54 pm
People talking about “unloading” Lowe… utter nonsense.
He has one, arguably two, near no hitters in the last month, the most playoff experience of our staff, and if we got Andruw Jones in return, I’d say Wren needed to have his head examined.
Guys, pitching wins titles. You remove Derek, and someone else gets hurt (Hudson), and suddenly we have JJ, Hanson, and… Beachy, Minor, Teheran?
No.
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
June 13th, 2011
8:54 pm
cabravesfan Just what Mac needs…
I know, right? He’ll be sleeping on his left side for a while…
TB
June 13th, 2011
8:54 pm
Hey Mr Larry Jones can you help
Freddie out?
Long Way Home Brave
June 13th, 2011
8:54 pm
Can’t wait till we can field an actual MLB bottom of the line up
Stizz
June 13th, 2011
8:55 pm
We get one guy going in Uggla and another can’t make contact.
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
8:55 pm
Two days ago he was on fire. Now he’s officially in a slump. I guess it doesn’t take much.
Moe Berg
June 13th, 2011
8:55 pm
“or id, dont cry, but id trade”
The problem is that Wren has too much of a super-ego to make a knee-jerk trade.
CaptainMudderland
June 13th, 2011
8:55 pm
@cabravesfan….re: 8:44…..You are amazing gal……Hi hope you are fine tonight.
N Nine
June 13th, 2011
8:56 pm
Freeman should get glove glove considerations.
N Nine
June 13th, 2011
8:56 pm
Freeman should get
glovegold glove considerations.MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
8:57 pm
“Linebrink For Cy
June 13th, 2011
8:54 pm
what’s the term for 7 straight Ks? A Mariachi Band?”
Except it wasn’t 7 straight Ks – he drew a walk in his first at-bat, which Chip only decided to mention after he said it was 7 straight Ks.
richie_rich1986
June 13th, 2011
8:57 pm
Lowe is looking good tonight the couple hits they have they aren’t hitting him hard at all.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
June 13th, 2011
8:58 pm
Moe, only you would see a lack of punctuation as an opening for a Freud reference.
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
8:59 pm
Ouch!!!
Thats an Out at Turner Field!
richie_rich1986
June 13th, 2011
8:59 pm
crap! I just jinx Lowe! Go figure!
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
8:59 pm
Bleep!
Venice Jim
June 13th, 2011
8:59 pm
Oy…
CaptainMudderland
June 13th, 2011
8:59 pm
It should be 2-2….but we leave guys staring at Mather
Long Way Home Brave
June 13th, 2011
8:59 pm
Come on Lowe
cabravesfan
June 13th, 2011
8:59 pm
Hi Capt’n
nolee
June 13th, 2011
9:00 pm
BALLGAME!!!
David O'Brien
June 13th, 2011
9:00 pm
Pence took him deep on an 0-and-2 pitch. Ouch.
ray k.
June 13th, 2011
9:00 pm
Seems like Lowe has been near unhittable thru 6 in many starts this year.
veer
June 13th, 2011
9:00 pm
GAME OVER WITH THE PATEHTIC 6-9 HITTERS WE GOT.
FRUSTRATING MAN.
FREDI GONZALEZ PUTS RETARDS OUT THERE SO WE LOSE.
YESTERDAY HE SENT A JUNK LINEUP OUT THERE.
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
9:01 pm
Whew!
That was A Bomb!
Thank Gawd for the Deep CF Dimensions at the Juice Box on that play
richie_rich1986
June 13th, 2011
9:01 pm
veer,
ya man its all over lets call the game now!
TB
June 13th, 2011
9:01 pm
keep the
Keep the ball DOWN lowe.
RJB in DC
June 13th, 2011
9:01 pm
T-for Texas @ 8:10–As someone posted earlier, Schafer’s numbers overall are not great, but his numbers leading off the game (3 for 3 with a BB this series) and leading off an inning are outstanding. That is clutch lead off hitting.
I agree and dug further. Over the past 10 games, (including the first inning tonight) he has led off an inning 18 times. In this lead off position, he has batted .375 (6 for 16). His OBP is .444 (8-18). Plus he reached base one additional time as the result of a throwing error.
And he has six steals.
A small sample, but certainly an optimistic one.
bravefaninok
June 13th, 2011
9:02 pm
That was a good catch jordan,
kevkat
June 13th, 2011
9:02 pm
he actually threw the pitch where B mac asked..just a bad pitch call
JC from DR! (You gotta tip your cap to ____)
June 13th, 2011
9:02 pm
Come on, hit this guy!
richie_rich1986
June 13th, 2011
9:03 pm
RJB,
Thanks thats some good stats right there, and proof why we need Schafer at the top of our lineup
CaptainMudderland
June 13th, 2011
9:03 pm
And 69 is such an appealing number…..not a sexy lineup down there tonight—left five on?
Braves Fan in PA
June 13th, 2011
9:03 pm
Heyward is up
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_06_13_gwiaaa_indaaa_1
richie_rich1986
June 13th, 2011
9:03 pm
what in the world is Mather swinging at?
veer
June 13th, 2011
9:03 pm
RELEASE MATHER MAN. RELEASE HIM.
ST.LOUIS DIDN’T WANT HIM WHY ARE WE STUCK WITH HIM?
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
9:03 pm
Joe Ma Still looks lost!
UGGGHHHH!!!
nolee
June 13th, 2011
9:04 pm
so all we need to do is to be sure to win the game in the first inning huh, since Schauffeur is of no help after that?
brian
June 13th, 2011
9:04 pm
come on bats. Time to wake up and finish this series and road trip up with a bang. Can’t leave 5 people on through 3.
Mather was way behind that pitch.
kevkat
June 13th, 2011
9:04 pm
Joe “swing and a miss” Mathers
N Nine
June 13th, 2011
9:04 pm
Mather just got tea bagged.
veer
June 13th, 2011
9:04 pm
FREDY WANTED TO LOSE THIS GAME WITH THE LINEUP HE PUT THERE.
TB
June 13th, 2011
9:04 pm
I remember when cox would do things like this.
cabravesfan
June 13th, 2011
9:04 pm
YESTERDAY HE SENT A JUNK LINEUP OUT THERE.
And as I seem to recall, we won yesterday
nolee
June 13th, 2011
9:05 pm
whoooosh
N Nine
June 13th, 2011
9:05 pm
hey veer, when you’re in CAPS, does that mean you are mad and screaming?
Stizz
June 13th, 2011
9:05 pm
Schafer’s defense is incredible. A Blogger made the point earlier that he was indeed supposed to be our CF for the future until he hurt his wrist. That being said, I believe Wren is behind the scenes planning some type of move for Nate. He just doesn’t bring what Jordan does to the table and save that one game out in San Francisco, he’s been a complete non factor.
Linebrink For Cy
June 13th, 2011
9:06 pm
more great ABs from the three stooges
veer
June 13th, 2011
9:06 pm
yea i am pissed off at Mather and Hicks and fredie loseranzlez. I want to win man. Why is Mather even in our roster? What has he done?
N Nine
June 13th, 2011
9:07 pm
A guy like Nick needs to have his day here too. He’s been absent during this long brutal winning streak.
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
9:07 pm
Braves Havent had a hit since Schafer led off the game, Ouch
MariettaDerek
June 13th, 2011
9:07 pm
Three minor league ABs there.
nolee
June 13th, 2011
9:07 pm
why is the world would any team give up anything for Nate with his salary and poor year and a half? Do y’all think all the other GMs in baseball are total morons?
Michael, The Abbreviation
June 13th, 2011
9:07 pm
I agree with above posters, this lineup is garbage.. If you are gonna rest A Gon, please play Diory.. Come on, B Hicks should be in AA, guy cant even throw to first. Also, can we please get freakin David Ross and or Hinske in the lineup?!?!?! Thats all those guys do is hit. I dont care what you have to do, put McCann at first and Ross behind the plate and Hinske in the outfield, put Ross at first, put Hinske at first, obviously Freeman is struggling.. Its frustrating to see better hitting options rotting away on the bench while AA guys such as young and hicks, as well as a AAA Mather and a struggling dude named Freeman continue to get starts. Oh and we are going against a lefty so we coulda sat some of these lefties above mentioned today.. Sigh.. I just wish we had a better manager
nolee
June 13th, 2011
9:08 pm
yada yada yada
N Nine
June 13th, 2011
9:09 pm
Hey Cab, is jeffery d still not playing with you?
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
9:09 pm
Good play, Chipper
Long Way Home Brave
June 13th, 2011
9:10 pm
Why are so many people turning on Freeman so fast ?
Bravo_fan 52
June 13th, 2011
9:11 pm
blah’blah’blah
Tomas
June 13th, 2011
9:12 pm
D-Lowe, 5th starter in the Braves, and when Beachy gets back he is gonna be the 6th best starter
Braves Fan in PA
June 13th, 2011
9:12 pm
Interesting Jose Constanza is in LF tonight. He is listed as the CF. I couldn’t find stats to show how much LF he has played. Maybe the Braves are getting him familiar with other positions just in case he gets called up?
cabravesfan
June 13th, 2011
9:12 pm
Hey, I think it’s a brilliant idea to put Ross or Mac at a position they have never played before. Makes sense to me…
Venice Jim
June 13th, 2011
9:12 pm
nolee – hey, there are bound to be a couple of morons out there…
N Nine
June 13th, 2011
9:14 pm
Why are so many people turning on Freeman so fast ? Long Way Home Brave
I’m rooting for Freddie, he needs only one more K for a double golden sombrero!! WTG Fab 5 F
cabravesfan
June 13th, 2011
9:14 pm
Braves Fan in PA-
Constanza has played 62 games in left field, including 26 this season
Kat
June 13th, 2011
9:15 pm
Heyward is done for the night……3AB, 1H, 1R, 1BB
N Nine
June 13th, 2011
9:16 pm
I’m ready for my ice cream break. =D
Scott from Fairburn
June 13th, 2011
9:17 pm
Why in the he’ll is Fredi not playing Josh Hamilton, Carl Crawford, and Ichiro!!!!
Until Frank trades for them, all he has is Young, Mather, and Schafer.
David O'Brien
June 13th, 2011
9:17 pm
Heyward 1-for-3 so far tonight in Triple-A, with double in 1st, popout to third in 4th, walk in 6th and groundout in 8th
So much for only getting 2-3 at-bats, as Fredi G had indicated.
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
9:18 pm
Derek with the bat!!
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
9:19 pm
Come on braves lets go schafer and uggla on in the 1st,once again braves fail to score
JC from DR! (You gotta tip your cap to ____)
June 13th, 2011
9:19 pm
DLowe!
RJB in DC
June 13th, 2011
9:19 pm
Venice Jim- Sadly for us, the morons are usually the ones out of the playoff hunt by the trade deadline.
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
9:19 pm
Nice Double Lowe!
Has anyone other than me notice that the Braves Pitchers are helping themselves out more at the as opposed to April when they threw away at bats and were automatic outs at the plate?
Gotta get 1 here!
David O'Brien
June 13th, 2011
9:19 pm
Schafer didn’t get him over there, needed to
richbrave
June 13th, 2011
9:20 pm
Wait on that inside 2-seamer and put a charge into it.
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
9:21 pm
Enter your comments here
Linebrink For Cy
June 13th, 2011
9:22 pm
another sad inning
TB
June 13th, 2011
9:22 pm
Hey what do people expect with a minor line up
bravesgrl4life
June 13th, 2011
9:22 pm
Man, offense has slowed down tonight
JC from DR! (You gotta tip your cap to ____)
June 13th, 2011
9:22 pm
Wow…
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
9:22 pm
So much promise that inning just for it to go to the Toilet (wiping tear)
Braves Fan in PA
June 13th, 2011
9:22 pm
Heyward is out of the game after the last AB.
Long Way Home Brave
June 13th, 2011
9:23 pm
Wow, our pitcher hits better than 6-8
N Nine
June 13th, 2011
9:23 pm
Wandy @ 75 pitches. Need to hit their bullpen.
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
9:23 pm
braves are now 0/5 with risp pathetic schafer hit the dam ground ball,are you now afraid to bunt?YOU HAVE NOT TRIED IT SINCE INJURY
ray k.
June 13th, 2011
9:23 pm
I can imagine Chipper scanning the line up card this evening and mouthing the words, “ok, lets see…me at cleanup… Freddie, then Joe again? Huh…ok, then Hicks and Y- oh COME ON!!!!”
Stizz
June 13th, 2011
9:23 pm
This looks like one of those games where the Braves are content with winning 3 out of 4 and just want to get back to Atlanta.
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
9:23 pm
The pitcher hits a lead-off double and never even gets to 3rd base. . . .
veer
June 13th, 2011
9:24 pm
I sense a shutout coming. Its really sad to lose games because the manager puts the absoulte worst looking out there possible.
Jimmy
June 13th, 2011
9:24 pm
I don’t normally blog while the game is going on…..but I HAD to get up from the TV and grab the laptop.
For you JS and Uggla haters…they set the table in the first. McCann,Jones and Mather couldn’t get them home.
And WHY throw a high fastball (on an 0-2 count) to Pence??? McCann gave the location and Lowe hit it…so did Pence. Lowe, as everyone knows, is a ground ball pitcher. A ground ball andyou are out of the inning. Was this a call from the dugout? Probably.
Anyway, get off Uggla and Jordan. Ducks were on the pond and the “vets” didn’t get it done.
P.S. – I am a Braves fan. Just tired of the same guys getting blamed when the whole team is letting the ball drop. Uggla is out of his slump. He’ll be a .250 – .260 guy the rest of the season. Now, let’s get it done.
2-0 bottom of the 5th as I post.
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
9:24 pm
CORRECTION 0/6 FORGOT ABOUT THE 1ST INNING
Tomas
June 13th, 2011
9:25 pm
Todd Redmond pitched a gem tonight, another no hit bid. He has a no hitter and 5 bids in his minor league career. He is having a good year, could be an interesting trade piece.
Scooter MacGavin
June 13th, 2011
9:25 pm
Real Braves offense is now back? Seems like it. Living and dying by the home run.
brian
June 13th, 2011
9:26 pm
2 hits through 5 with Lowe having one of them. Ugh.
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
9:26 pm
Im hoping For a miracle i wish hicks,young,mather please all go to AAA
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
9:27 pm
Gotta Tip your cap to Bourne right there…
MikeInFl
June 13th, 2011
9:27 pm
or id, dont cry, but id trade JJ and schafer to boston for jacoby ellsbury. jj will be arbitration eligible and will likely get a nice raise and hes a scott boras client so could prove to be pretty pricey.
You do know, don’t you, that Ellsbury is arbitration eligible next year. And his agent is…. Scott Boras.
But other than that, well, it’s still a bad idea.
N Nine
June 13th, 2011
9:27 pm
Real Braves offense is now back? Seems like it.
Who you calling the real Braves? Surly not Hicks, Mather, Young…?
T for Texas
June 13th, 2011
9:28 pm
A small sample, but certainly an optimistic one.
RJB in DC–
Hard to project that he will overperform in 0 out situations leading off inning. I don’t believe those numbers will continue, although I hope they do.
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
9:29 pm
Bring Constanza up,WTF???IL PLAYER OF THE WEEK .358 17SB,MR.WREN,WTF DO U WANT HIM TO DO?HIT.400 I MEAN COME ON.
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
9:30 pm
“Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
9:27 pm
Gotta Tip your cap to Bourne right there…’
How about Barmes – he at least moved the runner at 2nd over!
Scooter MacGavin
June 13th, 2011
9:30 pm
Why even keep Hicks, Mather and Matt Young in our system? It’s obvious they don’t have enough talent to play in the Big Leagues.
p.s. need to trade Lowe now while he has good value. It’s something Braves mgmt hasn’t done well
brian
June 13th, 2011
9:30 pm
Freeman has played gold glove defense this year. He has been streaky at the plate which is typical for a rookie. The pitchers make adjustments on him, then he has to make adjustments back. In my humble opinion, Freeman has shown that he does have a special bat in this his rookie season at such a young age. He is just going to get better and better
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
9:30 pm
Hell Yeah!
Nice DP
Phew!
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
9:31 pm
YEAH DP!!! Good job getting out of that, Derek!
TB
June 13th, 2011
9:31 pm
now get some runs,
JasonInFL
June 13th, 2011
9:31 pm
Man, that is a really bad lineup. It would look a lot better with Heyward, Nate, and A-Gon. Matty Young, Hicks, and Joe Ma are pretty bad back to back to back. Throw in the pitcher and you have yourself a pretty bad lineup.
But, I can see why Fredi rested Gonzo. We need a healthy J-Hey!
richbrave
June 13th, 2011
9:32 pm
Whew! I’d have called ball-game with a hit there.
veer
June 13th, 2011
9:32 pm
MATHER DUE UP 3RD in the inning followed by HICKS.
Any predictions as to what will the outcome be?
My guess is runner on with 1 out and Mather either strikes out, hits into a DP, Hits into a pop up out. Hits into a flyout.
Lets see if my prediction comes true
brian
June 13th, 2011
9:32 pm
Constanza needs to be up instead of Young and Mather (and maybe ahead of Nate). He is deserving a shot. Tyler no way I spell his name right Pastornicky needs to advance to AAA to see what he can do there.
richbrave
June 13th, 2011
9:32 pm
Jason:
#9 slot has a double.
Linebrink For Cy
June 13th, 2011
9:33 pm
don’t think I’d be mad at the D’Backs if they blew a 9 run lead and lost vs the Fish … anything to get the Fish to play competitive against Philly
Braves Fan in PA
June 13th, 2011
9:33 pm
I thought Redmon and Teheran pitch in a DH. Redmon had the better pitching line that day but Teheran had by far the more impressive outing. I think Redmon was in the 90-92 range I wonder if scouts thinks he is a good AAA pitcher who would get hit hard in the majors.
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
9:33 pm
“brian
June 13th, 2011
9:30 pm
Freeman has played gold glove defense this year. He has been streaky at the plate which is typical for a rookie. The pitchers make adjustments on him, then he has to make adjustments back. In my humble opinion, Freeman has shown that he does have a special bat in this his rookie season at such a young age. He is just going to get better and better”
Well said, brian.
JasonInFL
June 13th, 2011
9:33 pm
richbrave, nice! just getting caught up…
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
9:33 pm
RELEASE MATHER when nate comes ,nate play lf,prado to 3b,chipper on dl,that 15 days should be on whether nate is back if not trade him or bench him.
ray k.
June 13th, 2011
9:34 pm
This AAA lineup is right out of Cox’s repertoire. He pulled this same crap every time we were on a hot streak. Settle for 6 in a row and then field a bunch of Bob Uekers out there. Hinske really needs a rest? And Agon?
Stupid.
brian
June 13th, 2011
9:34 pm
Joe – usually you have to hit the ball hard to help coax an error out of the other team. The Braves have spent a good deal of this season not hitting
Jay Dubu
June 13th, 2011
9:34 pm
DOB mentioned that tonight’s starter for Houston was a good pitcher, so at least for a night, the bats are back to their old form.
Got scratch out 3 runs, and keep them off the board, and get out of town with the sweep.
TB
June 13th, 2011
9:34 pm
brian I believe you are right
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
9:35 pm
Brian
Fab 5 Freddie will Finish with numbers similiar to Adam LaRoche’s rookie year in 2004, Bank On It! Both have similiar styles in their game
Braves Fan in PA
June 13th, 2011
9:35 pm
Unfortunately Constanza bats left and isn’t on the 40 man roster. He is a bit older too so I think he really has to continue his tear to start getting considerations…. but maybe if Nate is Traded
cabravesfan
June 13th, 2011
9:35 pm
RELEASE MATHER when nate comes ,nate play lf,prado to 3b,chipper on dl
So you are going to just randomly put Chipper on the DL? Even though the knee has not been an issue so far?
bravesgrl4life
June 13th, 2011
9:35 pm
Okay, can we make Chipper’s walk count for something?
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
9:35 pm
Hard to win tonite when u have 3 players that can’t hit
mather
young
hicks
veer
June 13th, 2011
9:35 pm
Like i predicted. mather is in the box
richbrave
June 13th, 2011
9:35 pm
Way to lead off an inning old man. Now there’s a hitter who understands the game.
Venice Jim
June 13th, 2011
9:36 pm
Talking to a parent – what’d I miss?…
veer
June 13th, 2011
9:36 pm
RELEASE MATHER!!!!!!
cabravesfan
June 13th, 2011
9:37 pm
veer-
We get it. You don’t like Mather. Screaming about it every 5 seconds in all caps is not going to change anything.
richbrave
June 13th, 2011
9:38 pm
Pitching him inside. Don’t want him to extend.
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
9:38 pm
Does anyone Agree that it will be time To “Ol Yeller” Joe Mather when Nate-Dawg and J-ey Come Back?
(Pounding Couch with fists!) I Simply Cant take it Anymore!!! Fredi Get SKE back in there tomorrow over the old Slug if you must
N Nine
June 13th, 2011
9:38 pm
Aww, no golden double sombrero.
TB
June 13th, 2011
9:38 pm
Venice Jim
Not much.
brian
June 13th, 2011
9:38 pm
so the call above for Mather was anything but a hit if I read the blog correctly
veer
June 13th, 2011
9:39 pm
hERE comes Mather. Lets see if my prediction holds true
veer
June 13th, 2011
9:39 pm
What did mather swing at the first pitch? Is he Blind?
richbrave
June 13th, 2011
9:39 pm
Now MATTY D would have stroked that outside pitch for a double down the right-field line.
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
9:40 pm
any day now,its going to fail him,just saying that would be the time to have surgury
brian
June 13th, 2011
9:40 pm
the blog will explode if there is a strike 3
Bravo_fan 52
June 13th, 2011
9:40 pm
sutton called jo-ma mike mather
veer
June 13th, 2011
9:40 pm
He is swinging at everything. Ball to his eyes he swings at
The lawyer
June 13th, 2011
9:40 pm
Mather looks awful right now. Swinging at everything…
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
9:40 pm
J-hey, srry 4 the typo…
richbrave
June 13th, 2011
9:41 pm
Jeesus, swinging like a wash woman
TB
June 13th, 2011
9:41 pm
Mather
JUST A SWANGING.
The lawyer
June 13th, 2011
9:41 pm
He needs to be out over the plate looking to drive it the other way….
brian
June 13th, 2011
9:42 pm
hey not a strike out
of course it was a routine DP
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
9:42 pm
I just Turned ot off during the Mather At-Bat!
Only to listen to a sweet DP to kill the inning! GRRRRRR!!!
McList
June 13th, 2011
9:42 pm
All those who honestly think JS never had anything to do with HGH/Steroids let me know. It’s just hard to justify why a man who had decent power in 2009 has none now. And to think he lost that power in a muscle growth time period of 21 to 24. 15 games – 1 double 1 triple 1 RBI
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
9:43 pm
mather,hicks,young..AUTO.OUTS
The lawyer
June 13th, 2011
9:43 pm
Brutal, this lineup in general is brutal. Hopefully the ‘Stros will get some right-handed meat on the mound. At this point, Atlanta is almost forced too add someone with right-handed pop. Cuddyer would be perfect.
Stizz
June 13th, 2011
9:43 pm
Mather won’t see the light of day when Heyward returns.
veer
June 13th, 2011
9:43 pm
I TOLD YOU HE WOULD HIT INTO A DOUBLE PLAY!!!
PATHETIC MAN. HE SHUD HAVE JUST STRUK OUT!!!!!!
F********************kkkkkkkkkk
F*************k
there goes our winning streak. I DONT WANT HIM IN OUR AAA TEAM EVEN. RELEASE HIM. RELEASE HIM. COME ON!!!
Linebrink For Cy
June 13th, 2011
9:43 pm
Oh Mather .. you card you
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
9:43 pm
Correction:
I just turned it off during the Mather at bat
JC from DR! (You gotta tip your cap to ____)
June 13th, 2011
9:43 pm
Beautiful.
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
9:43 pm
Dang it! J-Hey, hope your shoulder really is feeling better and you’re good to go sooner rather than later!
Scooter MacGavin
June 13th, 2011
9:43 pm
Half of our lineup is AA material. Have you noticed that no one on this team (other than McCann) has had any sort of a hitting streak this year?
N Nine
June 13th, 2011
9:43 pm
Mather: 2011 most worthless player of year for Braves.
bravesgrl4life
June 13th, 2011
9:44 pm
Oh, I sure hope Jason is back soon and playing like it’s 2010. Mather just stinks, stinks, stinks. You know the old saying, guests, like fish, stink after 3 days? Well, we’ve had Mather for a lot longer than 3 days and he was good for only a few of the ones we have had him. Sad, sad, sad.
David O'Brien
June 13th, 2011
9:44 pm
Do you realize that on Sunday, Tommy Hanson became the first pitcher in Braves franchise history to record 14 strikeouts in 7 or fewer innings? Yep.
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
9:44 pm
Veer!
Settle Down Bro
Can’t you just Free your mind or something? lol
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
9:45 pm
MATHER IS THE NEXTNORTON!!!!!!!
veer
June 13th, 2011
9:45 pm
Astro announcers are praise Wandy for pitching great today. Hell even DOB can pitch a no hitter aganist a line up that has 9 Mathers. YES DOB CAN NO HIT JOE MATHER AND GET HIM OUT 27 STRAIGHT TIMES. Take it as you like it.. Either a complement for DOB or a diss towards Mather
TB
June 13th, 2011
9:46 pm
poor old lowe no wonder he takes a drink now and then.
Runner-
June 13th, 2011
9:46 pm
lol @ Adam Dunn being White Sox’s mistake. So is Dan our mistake??
nolee
June 13th, 2011
9:46 pm
idioys are out in force tonight I see
Euthanasia should be legalized
veer
June 13th, 2011
9:46 pm
DOB why are u bringing Hanson up right now? What is your opinion of you getting Mather out 27 straight times if you pitched to him? What do you have to say about that?
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
9:47 pm
Game OVER!
I don’t trust the offense to come back tonight!
I’m just glad we took 3 of 4 instead of making these Jabrones look playoff caliber
veer
June 13th, 2011
9:47 pm
ok 3-0 Game Over now. Promote Teheran and Trade Lowe before he becomes a bigger bust
ncgary
June 13th, 2011
9:47 pm
ball game
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
9:47 pm
What was freddi thinking with this lineup?I mean if this is the case go ahead and play conrad,diory while u at it
StingerSplash
June 13th, 2011
9:47 pm
So much for the offense. Again.
Two of the many things I can’t comprehend. Why the Braves can’t sustain any offense (actually, I have plenty of suspicions as to why). Another – Michelle Beadle and Matthew Barnaby. Really? I mean, it’s bad enough she has to spend an hour a day with that tool Colin Cowherd. But Matt Barnaby?
richbrave
June 13th, 2011
9:48 pm
BALL-GAME
Stizz
June 13th, 2011
9:48 pm
Well, that’s it. Usually I don’t call games but no rally will come close to happening tonight with our bottom half of the order.
Scooter MacGavin
June 13th, 2011
9:48 pm
TRADE LOWE WHILE HE STILL HAS VALUE!!!! Quote me. Lowes ERA is going nowhere but up folks. Don’t wait, do it now!!
David O'Brien
June 13th, 2011
9:49 pm
Freeman flyout in 6th ended string of strikeouts in seven consecutive official at-bats (with a walk mixed in there after sixth K)
nolee
June 13th, 2011
9:49 pm
some of y’all have WAAAY more patience than I do, reading this crap
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
9:49 pm
The Sheriff (Sherill!) is warming up!
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
9:50 pm
FREDDI FELT SORRY FOR HPUSTON AND CAME UP WITH THIS LINEUP NOW WE ARE GOING TO BE 3 BACK IN LOSS COLUMN TO THE PHILLIES
Charlie C
June 13th, 2011
9:51 pm
For the love, please trade Lowe. We need to get some value for him while he still has some value. His fastball is a joke.
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
9:51 pm
“bravesgrl4life
June 13th, 2011
9:44 pm
Oh, I sure hope Jason is back soon and playing like it’s 2010. Mather just stinks, stinks, stinks. You know the old saying, guests, like fish, stink after 3 days? Well, we’ve had Mather for a lot longer than 3 days and he was good for only a few of the ones we have had him. . . .”
Not a bad analogy at this point.
richbrave
June 13th, 2011
9:51 pm
SS:
“…….. tool Colin Cowherd……….” Agreed
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
9:52 pm
2 HITS TONITE,Cy young is doing great for houston
Linebrink For Cy
June 13th, 2011
9:52 pm
“NOW WE ARE GOING TO BE 3 BACK IN LOSS COLUMN TO THE PHILLIES”
dang, they’ll practically be eliminated being 3 back!!!!
TB
June 13th, 2011
9:52 pm
Freddie just as well leave Lowe in there he did get a double.
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
9:53 pm
Charlie C
June 13th, 2011
9:51 pm
guess u were drunk last game when he took a nohitter into the 7th
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
9:53 pm
I’m Just glad that there won’t be no late inning drama tonight. I’d Rather lose like this than lose a one run game in the 9th or extra innings
richbrave
June 13th, 2011
9:54 pm
DEREK like CHIPPER is showing his age. But JONES can still be a consistant ball-player. LOWE is only great in spurts now, and in between, he is not a very good pitcher.
CaptainMudderland
June 13th, 2011
9:54 pm
I meant to ask Keplinger about his portfolio before he got ‘home.’
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
9:54 pm
I just Turned it off!!!
(Wiping Tear)
Linebrink For Cy
June 13th, 2011
9:54 pm
lol wow, Lowe only has 3 decisions since April 20 (10 games)
veer
June 13th, 2011
9:54 pm
I have had it with this game. I have turned the game off. mather sucks
ChrisfromSacramento,Ca
June 13th, 2011
9:55 pm
Beat it Lowe, you suck. Momentum killer! Trade his ass for relief help and bench help.
StingerSplash
June 13th, 2011
9:55 pm
Lowe runs out of gas faster than an old Impala.
TB
June 13th, 2011
9:55 pm
Like Skip used to say you can walk your dog now.
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
9:57 pm
we prob.lost but we won.t be shut out
Linebrink For Cy
June 13th, 2011
9:57 pm
the last time the Braves were taken to the wood shed was May 20 so it’s not like they weren’t due for this
Kentavo
June 13th, 2011
9:57 pm
This one never favored the Braves from the onset – just look at the pitching matchups. I never expected a W tonight, so not really disappointed.
Linestink not really fooling ‘em here…
njbraves
June 13th, 2011
9:57 pm
Perfect opportunity to gain a little ground and they don’t show up.
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
9:57 pm
Its official!
Lowe Got SLAPPED!!!
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
9:57 pm
“David O’Brien
June 13th, 2011
9:49 pm
Freeman flyout in 6th ended string of strikeouts in seven consecutive official at-bats (with a walk mixed in there after sixth K)”
I forgot a BB doesn’t count as an at-bat, no matter what – it seems like it should when counting consecutive Ks, but alas
CaptainMudderland
June 13th, 2011
9:57 pm
It is an official Barn@ss whuppin
ChrisfromSacramento,Ca
June 13th, 2011
9:57 pm
Linbrink sucks more than Lowe. Release him. Trade Lowe for a true power reliever.
Kentavo
June 13th, 2011
9:58 pm
It’s about to get as ugly as Pence’s stance…
Charlie C
June 13th, 2011
9:58 pm
well, You can’t win everyday. Especially when you have a lineup like this and your overpaid ACE can’t throw his fastball over 87mph. Mark my words, if we don’t trade Lowe soon it will come back to bite us in the next few months.
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
9:58 pm
Ah geez . . . .
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
9:58 pm
Its Time To “Ol Yeller” Hicks as well!!!
Him and Mather need to be “Ol Yellered!”
Kat
June 13th, 2011
9:58 pm
Oy vey….
Kentavo
June 13th, 2011
9:58 pm
I thought Hicks was supposed to be a glove man.
ChrisfromSacramento,Ca
June 13th, 2011
9:59 pm
Trade that loser Heyward and Lowe for Pence. Pence is a gamer. Heyward sucks. Lowe sucks!
cabravesfan
June 13th, 2011
9:59 pm
Trade Lowe for a true power reliever.
What is a “true power reliever” and who would be one? And who would be in our rotation?
JC from DR! (You gotta tip your cap to ____)
June 13th, 2011
9:59 pm
Oh well…
David O'Brien
June 13th, 2011
9:59 pm
Five-run Astros inning pretty much ends Braves’ chances of their first four-game sweep in Houston since 1992
Venice Jim
June 13th, 2011
10:00 pm
I imagine Frank is awash in phone calls at this moment from other GM’s demanding he trade Lowe to them immediately..
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
10:00 pm
Yes lowe did not have it tonite,but neither did the braves offense.To start the game,schafer,uggla set the stage,and bmac,chipper,freeman all failed to produce.Last game lowe pitch,he took a 2-0 lead and got no decision against fla.I think lowe is the pitcher with no run support,2 runs in 2 games is not going to win games.
TB
June 13th, 2011
10:00 pm
Make a good road trip look bad bad bad.
McList
June 13th, 2011
10:01 pm
I thought stupidity had peaked at 9:01 and its 9:03 partner (about why they know JS is the CFer), but I feel some strong rumbles coming.
Venice Jim
June 13th, 2011
10:01 pm
Trade that loser Heyward and Lowe for Pence
Maybe during the 7th inning stretch?…
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
10:01 pm
“Venice Jim
June 13th, 2011
10:00 pm
I imagine Frank is awash in phone calls at this moment from other GM’s demanding he trade Lowe to them immediately..”
You think?!
Jay Dubu
June 13th, 2011
10:02 pm
Finally, the 3rd out. It’s not fun when you’re on the other side of a butt whipping.
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
10:03 pm
I don’t know how a 7-3 road trip can look bad to anyone who can add and subtract, but that’s just me!
cabravesfan
June 13th, 2011
10:03 pm
Make a good road trip look bad bad bad.
Yup. Because a 7-3 road trip is disastrous…
njbraves
June 13th, 2011
10:03 pm
You can’t run Mather, Young, and Hicks out there and expect to score runs. Plus, Lowe is the weak link in the rotation, so they never had a chance tonight. I hated the Lowe signing the day it happened. Minor could make all of Lowe’s starts for the rest of the year and the Braves would be no worse off.
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
10:04 pm
Also DOB,with a line up like this 4 auto outs,lowe,mather,hicks,young,did we really even have a chance,he put this lineup as a disgrace to houston thinking we can still win.Houston said watch this and they are so ty FREDDI G FOR COSTING US ANOTHER GAME.
Linebrink For Cy
June 13th, 2011
10:05 pm
“I imagine Frank is awash in phone calls at this moment from other GM’s demanding he trade Lowe to them immediately..”
He’s probably just listening off hand at the moment but next month he’ll probably be listening more seriously. If Beachy comes back healthy and Meds comes back in Aug … the Braves will definitely have a surplus of pitching and some tradeable pieces
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
10:07 pm
After the game..give houston nate,hicks,mather,young,lowe we pay part of his salary for pence and bourn
Ron Hyatt
June 13th, 2011
10:07 pm
watch the 10 game losing streak begin.
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
10:08 pm
We are getting Clowned but nice Hustle Connie!
Shame when 2 of your 3 hits have come from the 9th spot. Thats a nasty indicator of losing a game
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
10:08 pm
and we throw in sherill,lindebrink
smallmouth6
June 13th, 2011
10:09 pm
The Braves took a night off.
cabravesfan
June 13th, 2011
10:09 pm
After the game..give houston nate,hicks,mather,young,lowe we pay part of his salary for pence and bourn
I’m sure Houston would be all over that one
TB
June 13th, 2011
10:10 pm
Hey 7-3 road trip is good. but this was a bad way to end it. Is all I was saying My friends.
JC from DR! (You gotta tip your cap to ____)
June 13th, 2011
10:10 pm
They either hit well or dont hit at all. But a 7-3 roadtrip is more than good. Shame these guys couldn’t take advantage of Phils off-day. Now they get the Mess in town, who are anything but a Mess lately.
ray k.
June 13th, 2011
10:10 pm
No, Fredi’s lineup card pretty much ended the chance for a 4 game sweep.
jw
June 13th, 2011
10:11 pm
The best thing about this game is that poor Venters can finally get a REST! Unless Freddi thinks we are still in this one and runs him out there….I am really worried about that guy’s arm.
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
10:11 pm
let minor start for lowe,call up tehran till beach we set,we got eof,venters,kimbrel,moylanmedlin
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
10:11 pm
A BB can be an RBI (with the bases loaded obviously), but it’s still never an official AB, right? Sorry if that’s a dumb question.
Great interview piece with Chipper and his dad, there! “I try not to call unless he calls and asks”
Whoop
June 13th, 2011
10:12 pm
I can’t wait until McLouth and Heyward get back.
I know a lot of people blindly worship everything little Schafer does, but I’m sure we can all agree that those two are better than Young and Mather.
Seth
June 13th, 2011
10:12 pm
Tommy hanson has a huge red beard and its 99F in Atlanta every week ? Come on save it off . Its red looking ….Plus no other braves all star picture has ever had a beard before …
ray k.
June 13th, 2011
10:12 pm
TB, 7-3 is good.
8-2 is better.
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
10:12 pm
Well The Sheriff is getting slapped already. Better tonight as opposed to a close game
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
10:12 pm
6 players for 2 thats a great deal
CaptainMudderland
June 13th, 2011
10:13 pm
Linebreak looks like he couldn’t fool a sixth grader.
DaveinNEPA
June 13th, 2011
10:16 pm
Whattya expect when you have to run the JV lineup out there. Mather, Young and Hicks aren’t gonna help you score very many runs.
In fact, based on what I’ve seen the last couple of days, I haven’t seen anything from Hicks offensively or defensively to indicate to me that he’s anything more than organizational filler. Freeman has saved him at least 3 errors on throws. He’s not ML material and I would have to think there has to be someone on the waiver wire the Braves could pick up cheap who would bring more to the table.
TB
June 13th, 2011
10:16 pm
ray.K Thank you.
ray k.
June 13th, 2011
10:17 pm
When Linecrap blows the first meaningful game for us down the stretch–which he will–this blog is going to be so inundated with posts, the city power grid will shut down.
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
10:18 pm
Man this is Brutal!
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
10:19 pm
This game has become a big “ouch”!
That video clip they had on the Braves’ MLBTV broadcast is a preview of the “Sunday School” they’re going to do on the Father’s Day broadcast, which should be available on the cable Extra Innings – fyi those watching the Astros’ broadcast on cable.
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
10:20 pm
Can we get a meaningless solo homer?
I know my boyz are not going to get Shutout tonight! We ain’t goin out like That!
TB
June 13th, 2011
10:22 pm
Tomahawkin you got any tums i need some/
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
10:22 pm
Kenshin Kawakami rhp
3 years/$23M (2009-11)
3 years/$23M (2009-11)
signed by Atlanta as a free agent 1/13/09
$2M signing bonus (paid between 2/09 and 5/09)
09:$7.667M, 10:$6.667M, 11:$6.667M
Kawakami may become a free agent if he and the club do agree to new contract by 10/15/11 or one day after final game of 2011 World Series
award bonuses: $25,000 for LCS MVP; $50,000 each for Gold Glove, WS MVP, Rolaids award, All Star; $0.1M for Cy Young, $0.1M for Rookie of Year ($50,000 for 2nd place, $25,000 for 3rd)
perks: interpreter, $25,000 moving expenses, housing and SUV during Spring Training, access to massage therapist, 8 round-trip business- or first-class airline tickets between Tokyo and Atlanta
sent outright to AAA by Atlanta 11/13/10
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
10:26 pm
If BMac isn’t the ASG starter . . . . Can everyone vote at any Lowe’s again this year?
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
10:26 pm
I’m already worried about the Series against the NY Mess, Gotta win 2 of 3 but they will play us tough “Watch!”
The game against Dickey is an automatic L because he owns us, and Dillon Gee is a Stud…One of the more underrated young pitchers in the game, despite the fact that he plays in The Rotten Apple…He’d get the Joba hype from BSPN if he played in the Bronx…
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
10:28 pm
TB
“Tomahawkin you got any tums i need some/”
No, but I got a Few Samuel Jackson’s left in the fridge
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
10:28 pm
oh well games over
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
10:29 pm
Here Comes The Proctologist!
Come On!!!
Kentavo
June 13th, 2011
10:29 pm
Yeah, not too worried; I mean c’mon, we’re playing without our entire opening day outfield. Prado, of course, is who we miss most.
TB
June 13th, 2011
10:30 pm
Goodnight everybody.
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
10:31 pm
5 hits last nite,3 hits tonite,why is conrad,diory not starting tonite,and why is young in there every dam game?
SoWeGa Fanatic
June 13th, 2011
10:31 pm
Well, O’VentBrel will get the night off anyway.
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
10:32 pm
Good Grief!
Infield Defense has been shoddy tonight!
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
10:33 pm
As a manager you are suppose to put the best lineup out there to win every nite.Bobby cox,joe torre,tommy lasorda,tony larussa don’t pull this crap with this lineup.
Kentavo
June 13th, 2011
10:33 pm
Hicks, anyone?
Kentavo
June 13th, 2011
10:34 pm
I disagree; Bobby put lineups like this out there all the time – even in the playoffs.
Louisville Brave
June 13th, 2011
10:35 pm
Hunter Pence is a badass
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
10:36 pm
Hunter Pence is peeking at where the catcher sets up.
cabravesfan
June 13th, 2011
10:36 pm
I disagree; Bobby put lineups like this out there all the time – even in the playoffs.
Bobby didn’t really have many options last year…
Moe Berg
June 13th, 2011
10:37 pm
Sometimes, we will have lineups like this, when all three starters in the OF are on the DL. Sometimes, we have to rest the infield. That means that we have three call-ups or bench players in the OF, and a back-up in the infield. Until we have a healthy OF, this will happen.
Louisville Brave
June 13th, 2011
10:37 pm
Freddi doesn’t really have any options now either
SoWeGa Fanatic
June 13th, 2011
10:37 pm
Wow, some of you people really are idiots. I’ve scanned the blog and noticed 10 players you want cut, traded, sent down, or killed off the 25 man, and this after the same guys won 6 straight. ? I wonder who would play the games?
Linebrink For Cy
June 13th, 2011
10:38 pm
dang, Fredi not even going to pinch hitter for either mather, hicks, and/or young
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
10:38 pm
just strike out a hit now lol
Darryl Blackberry
June 13th, 2011
10:39 pm
mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2011/ballot.jsp
Vote up to 25 times for B-Mac as starting catcher in the All-Star Game! Do it, or else we’ll be stuck with Yadier Molina.
SoWeGa Fanatic
June 13th, 2011
10:40 pm
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
10:33 pm
As a manager you are suppose to put the best lineup out there to win every nite.Bobby cox,joe torre,tommy lasorda,tony larussa don’t pull this crap with this lineup.
*******************
Yeah! Never rest anyone! Pitch Venters every night too! They make big money to play a game every stinking day! Sheesh.
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
10:41 pm
Bringing up Tony LaRussa and not pulling “crap” with a lineup is kind of funny, actually.
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
10:44 pm
Ske is trying to drive in a run. He doesn’t quit! That’s one of the great things about him!
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
10:44 pm
Lets just hope the Marlins don’t come back?
Everyone can hit Arizona’s bullpen but us
Good Eye SKEEE
CaptainMudderland
June 13th, 2011
10:45 pm
Hinske’s effort there is much appreciated.
Louisville Brave
June 13th, 2011
10:45 pm
Attaboy Schaffer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
10:45 pm
J-SCHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BOOM-SHOT-LOCK-BOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
cabravesfan
June 13th, 2011
10:45 pm
JORDANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
10:45 pm
No shut out!!!!
David O'Brien
June 13th, 2011
10:45 pm
Schafer’s three-run homer came on 1st pitch with 2 out in 9th. Shutout averted
brian
June 13th, 2011
10:46 pm
anybody still questioning whether Nate should play over Schafer?
I still think that Schafer continues to show that giving up a bounty of top prospects for Bourn, etc, would not be worth it
count_schemula
June 13th, 2011
10:46 pm
solidify the role Schafer, even in a lost game… Nate who?
DS1
June 13th, 2011
10:46 pm
Drove over 200 miles w/ the top down today in the SC/NC mountains and upstate. Great day. Come back to a Braves/Astros laugher. They happen. We win 6 in a row and then drop a laugher, and some of you folks want to deal Lowe, Linebrink and Sherrill now?
And Fredi is the first manager to pencil in such a weak lineup?
Trying my best to be sensitive, but I’m sorry, there are some seriously stupid bloggers out there.
Good to see Uggla gettting some hits this weekend, and Heyward playing tonight with the G-Braves. Lowe sure seems to lose it quick some nights. And I thought HIcks was supposed to be a good glove man. Not tonight, huh.
But, the Braves going into this game were tied for the 3rd best record in baseball. Not too bad for a team with a sporadic offense. And right as I am typing this, Schafer puts a few on the board.
Who knows, could this be one of those come from WAY behind nights……nah..
Kentavo
June 13th, 2011
10:46 pm
And Uggla’s hot streak is over…
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
10:47 pm
Game Over!
At least we didn’t get shut out. Told you guys we wouldn’t go out like that!
Linebrink For Cy
June 13th, 2011
10:47 pm
would have liked to have seen Uggla leave Houston with something better than an 0-4 day
count_schemula
June 13th, 2011
10:47 pm
The Ox with a pro at-bat as well to set it up.
Jim
June 13th, 2011
10:47 pm
You guys following the Braves on Chat Sports yet?
I like the new writer Ean – http://www.chatsports.com/atlanta-braves/
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
10:47 pm
schafer is our leadoff rest of the year nate your new position is lf enjoy
TB
June 13th, 2011
10:48 pm
Tomahawkin once again your right. Goodnight.
Linebrink For Cy
June 13th, 2011
10:52 pm
Out of all the pitchers the Braves have, I’m not sure why people think Lowe is not a trade candidate. There’s always a few teams out there at the trade deadline looking for a reliable starter, Braves will have a surplus of starting pitching, and Lowe fits the bill as a reliable/veteran starter.
Only way I don’t see him as a candidate is if Beachy comes back and is not as effective and/or another starter goes down with an injury
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
10:54 pm
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
10:47 pm
nice try i said it long before u did scroll back and look
tiger297
June 13th, 2011
10:58 pm
key largo been around this evening?
mathman
June 13th, 2011
10:58 pm
The problem with Lowe is that few teams can afford his salary at 15mil for this season (pro rated) and 15 mil next year. Maybe, the Yanks can or would do that deal. Not many more would.
CF belongs to Schafer for the rest of the year. Not even Wren is that stupid to put a guy (McLouse) in CF who is not as good defensively, has no arm, and is not a good lead off man. Believe there would be a revolt led by Hoss if they tried to send him back to Gwinnett.
I look for JHey to be back in RF on Wed night. Hinske goes to LF. When McLouse comes back, he takes over in LF until Prado comes back. Then, McLouse becomes the 4th OF if Wren can’t find someone to take him.
brian
June 13th, 2011
10:58 pm
none of the Braves hit tonight except for Schafer. I am not going to hold tonight against Uggla and his “hot streak.” The key will be this upcoming homestand. go get ‘em dan
DS1
June 13th, 2011
11:00 pm
Today, Lowe is NOT a trade prospect. Today. Probably will never be dealt due to his contract. There are very few teams that would take on that contract, IF the Braves ever wanted to unload it. Why are we even talking about trading Lowe until we figure out what our staff will look like in July or August? Nobody knows if Huddy’s back will flare up, if Beachy will return with any sort of consistency, if Minor will become consistent, or if any of the other starters will have any injury issues for the rest of the year.
I just don’t understand why folks won’t listen to DOB and the Braves? There are NO signs that the Braves are thinking about dealing Lowe. Maybe some sportswriters from NYC are wanting to spur some interest in Lowe, so that makes it a valid rumor with some of you folks??? I really don’t understand.
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
11:00 pm
Linebrink For Cy
“Out of all the pitchers the Braves have, I’m not sure why people think Lowe is not a trade candidate. ”
Because only 1-2 teams who are in contention can take on his salary. Not to mention not many teams have what we are looking for…
Tomahawkin
June 13th, 2011
11:03 pm
DS1
Co-sign on your last post…You explained it better than I did…
I don’t see why so many people on here think we are going to seriously be aggressive on trading player X for player X when its June and we are 9 games over .500?
My Name is Freddie (I've Forgot All About My Great Approach To Hitting Since I Hit That Mammouth Home Run) Freeman
June 13th, 2011
11:05 pm
Fellas, I will hit you another home run. I promise.
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
11:07 pm
”
June 13th, 2011
10:58 pm
key largo been around this evening?”
Earlier, yes.
Linebrink For Cy
June 13th, 2011
11:08 pm
“There are NO signs that the Braves are thinking about dealing Lowe.”
well of course there wouldn’t be signs now it’s still early June, you won’t hear anything about trades being discussed until probably mid-July at the earliest.
Though with the Braves there wouldn’t be any signs as they never talk about deals being discussed
Powder Blue
June 13th, 2011
11:10 pm
Could the Nate McLouth era be over?
count_schemula
June 13th, 2011
11:10 pm
I don’t even sit Hinske for McLouth at this point. I see McLouth as a, what, sort of late inning replacement pinch runner guy. We watched him for years. Just have not seen anything interesting. Just because we are stuck with him is not a good enough reason to play him.
DS1
June 13th, 2011
11:11 pm
T
Most of us remember 2008. You can never have enough good pitching.
I really think the Braves do not see the Lowe signing as an albatross. When he signed, he was a good acquisition. Is he worth 15 million per, probably not. But is he valuable to our team, definitely.
The Braves have 3 starters at a $$ bargain, so Lowe’s 15 million does not hurt so much.
PLUS, if the Braves shipped him on July 31st to the Yankees, they would probably not turn around and deal for a large contract to replace the money.
For you fans that think that freeing up salary is paramount, I really don’t think the Braves are agreeing with your point of view.
And if your point of view is contrary to the Braves point of view, it really makes you look a tad bit silly pushing the point. Not saying this to be contrary, but just telling it the way I see it.
count_schemula
June 13th, 2011
11:11 pm
Oh, Schafer, Pro-tip: Minute Maid is a fairly easy park to HR in. It was nice. It was fun. But don’t go thinking you got that mad I know I can Rafael Furcal 16HR power. 1 single, a double and a walk every night and untold love will come your way.
brian
June 13th, 2011
11:13 pm
tonight’s loss is disappointing. Seemed like the effort and energy was not there. Despite tonight’s poor performance, we still need to give kudos to the Braves for taking 3 out of 4 AT Houston and sweeping the Marlins (was that on a deserted island?).
Now the Braves need to regroup and get ready for the Mets. Time to exact some revenge from our NY trip. Win the series versus the Mets with authority.
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
11:15 pm
I’m not going to desert a 20-year old kid because he has a couple of bad days. Maybe I shouldn’t have added the Fs. That’s on me, not on him. He’s a very talented player and a good kid. And it wasn’t the HR that made me add the Fs. In any case, don’t take it out on him.
David O'Brien
June 13th, 2011
11:15 pm
D.Lowe left clubhouse without speaking to reporters, was gone when we were let in
David O'Brien
June 13th, 2011
11:17 pm
Schafer said his three-run homer meant nothing because he screwed up not bunting after Lowe’s leadoff double in 5th
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
11:18 pm
“David O’Brien
June 13th, 2011
11:15 pm
D.Lowe left clubhouse without speaking to reporters, was gone when we were let in”
Wow, I don’t think that’s ever happened before.
richbrave
June 13th, 2011
11:19 pm
“[KK]…..sent outright to AAA by Atlanta 11/13/10″
AA actually
Yunel's Frosted Tips
June 13th, 2011
11:19 pm
Lowe got some drankin’ to do…………..no time for stupid questions after game
Choppinmama
June 13th, 2011
11:20 pm
There is no freakin’ way that McLouth should replace Shafer in the lineup when he’s “ready” to come back.
Shafer is the leadoff man we’ve been needing all year, except for maybe when Prado leads off.
Tip Of The Cap
June 13th, 2011
11:20 pm
I knew tonight was not our night when we left bases loaded in the first. Can’t do that against good teams or even teams like the Astros. Still would like to see a new hitting coach. What about Chippers Dad?
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
11:22 pm
“David O’Brien
June 13th, 2011
11:17 pm
Schafer said his three-run homer meant nothing because he screwed up not bunting after Lowe’s leadoff double in 5th”
Good to know he understood what he did wrong earlier.
Mitchie-san
June 13th, 2011
11:22 pm
I hope Lowe took a shower before he left. With as much as he sweats, would wanna sit next to him on the plane.
Mitchie-san
June 13th, 2011
11:23 pm
Ha, thats wouldnt wanna.
Tip Of The Cap
June 13th, 2011
11:23 pm
Choppinmama – I agree. McLousy seems to be playing for his check as Schafer is playing to prove he can be that guy everyone thought he was going to be in 2009. His defense saves runs and he bring excitement to the leadoff spot for first time since Furcal.
I hope we trade Nate. I could see him doing well on some AL team.
Yunel's Frosted Tips
June 13th, 2011
11:27 pm
Nate to Kansas City…………they collect ex-Braves like aluminum cans
Dumbfound
June 13th, 2011
11:27 pm
David O’Brien
June 13th, 2011
11:15 pm
D.Lowe left clubhouse without speaking to reporters, was gone when we were let in
He’s probably pissed at his team for not scoring any runs for him in his last 2 starts. Think about it.
Dumbfound
June 13th, 2011
11:30 pm
The Braves hitters are really making Lowe’s starts look bad. He should at the least, be 5-5.
richbrave
June 13th, 2011
11:35 pm
DOWN ON THE FARM
TODD REDMOND and the G-Men are on the case tonight.
REDMOND [5-6, 2.60 ERA] hurls a stellar six inning, three-hit shut-out with two walks and four punch-outs. Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about.
Reliefers CORY GEARRIN [H 2, 2.76 ERA], ‘Blue’ JAYE CHAPMAN [H 2, 2.08 ERA], and JAIRO ASENCIO [SV 10, 1.57 ERA] each throw a one-hit shutout inning at the INDY INDIANS for the 2-0 shut-out win.
1B ‘45′ GOMEZ [.306 BA] has a big stick this evening going 2-4, 2B [19]. 1 RBI [43], 1 SO.
PH DAN NELSON [.260 BA] 0-0, 1 RBI [19].
RF JASON HEYWARD [.333 BA] 1-3, 1 R, 1 2B [1], 1 BB.
2B ED LUCAS [.208 BA] 2-4, 1 R, 1 2B [11].
‘George’ CONSTANZA [.354 BA] and SS JULIO LUGO [.229 BA] each have a single apiece in four.
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
11:35 pm
Dumbfound – actually I think Craig blew what should have been a win for him last time, in FLA. That game Craig ended up winning because we came back in the 10th and the BP held the second chance lead.
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 13th, 2011
11:37 pm
Thanks for the update, as always, richbrave. Particularly interesting tonight.
Dumbfound
June 13th, 2011
11:39 pm
@MIBraves – True.
mathman
June 13th, 2011
11:41 pm
McCann could easily have dropped a bunt down toward 3rd in the first inning with runners on 1st and 2nd. Only the 3B was on the left side, and he was deep. Cost us a run as did Schafer by not bunting to move Lowe over. McCann has bunted before. Needs to do it more with the shift on.
The A Bomb
June 13th, 2011
11:45 pm
I guess you people didn’t see Lowe mutter at Gonzalez as he was pulled.
Check the tape.
Tomas
June 13th, 2011
11:45 pm
I’m telling you Lowe is a 5th starter, when Beachy gets back I’m hoping for a trade, because quite frankly the Braves have better option
ijudgenot
June 13th, 2011
11:54 pm
I would have rather seen Schafer hit a bases clearing triple than the homerun he hit to right. Now he will again think that he is a homerun hitter like he did 2 years ago and start swingging for the fences again. What has seperated him from Nate other than his arm so far has been his willingness to be patient and get on base anyway he can instead of trying to hit a homerun. He has set the table often and early like he did tonight. Keep doing that young man. leave the homeruns to the free swinggers behind you.
My Name is Freddie (I've Forgot All About My Great Approach To Hitting Since I Hit That Mammouth Home Run) Freeman
June 13th, 2011
11:59 pm
Yea Schaf,let me worry about the home runs. You get on base and I’ll pull for the fences every at bat. Doesn’t matter if I strike out 7 times in a row. When I do hit one, it will be Big!
Tomas
June 14th, 2011
12:00 am
Yeah Lowe wasn’t happy when he was taken out, well I’ve got to defend Freddy, 98 pitches and they were hitting Lowe hard, it was the right move
Venice Jim
June 14th, 2011
12:01 am
When I think Brian McCann, I always think of the perfectly executed bunt for a base hit…
Tomas
June 14th, 2011
12:02 am
Lowe never goes deep into ball games, not very economical pitch count. Hasn’t pitched 8 inning this year in a game.
Trade him, Minor and Beachy look great
My Name is Freddie (I've Forgot All About My Great Approach To Hitting Since I Hit That Mammouth Home Run) Freeman
June 14th, 2011
12:03 am
I agree with you Jim. A good ball player can do what the situation calls for whether its bunting or swinging for the fences.
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 14th, 2011
12:10 am
Playing “Darkness on the Edge of Town” awaiting DOB’s post-game quotes.
nolee
June 14th, 2011
12:14 am
What has seperated him from Nate other than his arm so far has been his willingness to be patient and get on base anyway … ijudge
Really? Nah I don’t think so. Coming in to tonight their BA/OBP splits are exactly the same, so Schafer was not doing any better job at getting on any way than Nate was. . Nate was hitting for more power though.
McLouth…….238/332/341
Schafer……..222/319/283
richbrave
June 14th, 2011
12:15 am
MISSISSIPPI
PEARL RIVER again locked up in a tight one with CHATTANOOGA, 3-2 Bandits in the top of the eighth.
PAUL CLEMENS [ND, 3.33 ERA] 6.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R/ER, 1 BB, 4 SO. Good start.
RICHARD SULLIVAN [H 4, 6.68 ERA] one inning of shut-out relief.
BENINO PRUNEDA [SV 5, 2.45 ERA] two innings, one-hit, no runs.
1B ERNESTO MEJIA [.266 BA], 2-3, 3 RBI [30], 1 BB.
CF ANTOAN RICHARDSON [.325 BA] 1-5, 1 R, 1 SO.
SS TYLER PASTORNICKY [.302 BA] 1-4, 1 R, 1 SO.
3B DONEL LINARES [.267 BA] 0-3, 1 R, 2 SO.
LYNCHBURG
Lefty BLAINE SIMS [2-0, 2.16 ERA] starts and gets the victory going 6.0 innings, seven hits, zero runs/earned runs, one walk, four whiffs of opposing batters. Nice, very nice.
ANDY WILSON [2.78 ERA], MATT FREVERT [10.29 ERA], and ELIECER CARDENAS [0.81 ERA] each hurl a shutout inning at the BLUE ROCKS.
LF KEENAN WILEY [.298 BA] leads off and goes 1-4, 1 R, 1 2B [2], 1 SO.
RF ADAM MILLIGAN [.275 BA] 1-4, 1 R, 1 HR [2], 2 RBI [32], 1 SO.
1B JOE TERDOSLAVICH [.266 BA] 1-4, 1 R, 1 2B [21], 1 SO.
3B JOE LEONARD [.238 BA] 2-3, 2 R, 1 2B [11], 1 HR [3], 2 RBI [20].
C SHAWN McGILL [.290 BA] 2-3, 1 RBI [10].
nolee
June 14th, 2011
12:19 am
also their % of runs scored per PA was almost exactly the same rate too
richbrave
June 14th, 2011
12:20 am
MISSISSIPPI complete. PEARL wins 3-2.
richbrave
June 14th, 2011
12:21 am
NYTOL
nolee
June 14th, 2011
12:22 am
nite rich, thanx again
groundfog
June 14th, 2011
12:22 am
Trade Lowe? lol who is going to take on that contract the way he is pitching now. Not even the Yankees..We are stuck with him..just hope he rights the ship…quit dreaming about a trade.
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 14th, 2011
12:25 am
“richbrave
June 14th, 2011
12:15 am
MISSISSIPPI
PEARL RIVER again locked up in a tight one with CHATTANOOGA, 3-2 Bandits in the top of the eighth.
PAUL CLEMENS [ND, 3.33 ERA] 6.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R/ER, 1 BB, 4 SO. Good start.
RICHARD SULLIVAN [H 4, 6.68 ERA] one inning of shut-out relief.
BENINO PRUNEDA [SV 5, 2.45 ERA] two innings, one-hit, no runs.
1B ERNESTO MEJIA [.266 BA], 2-3, 3 RBI [30], 1 BB.
CF ANTOAN RICHARDSON [.325 BA] 1-5, 1 R, 1 SO.
SS TYLER PASTORNICKY [.302 BA] 1-4, 1 R, 1 SO.
3B DONEL LINARES [.267 BA] 0-3, 1 R, 2 SO.
LYNCHBURG
Lefty BLAINE SIMS [2-0, 2.16 ERA] starts and gets the victory going 6.0 innings, seven hits, zero runs/earned runs, one walk, four whiffs of opposing batters. Nice, very nice.
ANDY WILSON [2.78 ERA], MATT FREVERT [10.29 ERA], and ELIECER CARDENAS [0.81 ERA] each hurl a shutout inning at the BLUE ROCKS.
LF KEENAN WILEY [.298 BA] leads off and goes 1-4, 1 R, 1 2B [2], 1 SO.
RF ADAM MILLIGAN [.275 BA] 1-4, 1 R, 1 HR [2], 2 RBI [32], 1 SO.
1B JOE TERDOSLAVICH [.266 BA] 1-4, 1 R, 1 2B [21], 1 SO.
3B JOE LEONARD [.238 BA] 2-3, 2 R, 1 2B [11], 1 HR [3], 2 RBI [20].
C SHAWN McGILL [.290 BA] 2-3, 1 RBI [10].”
Thanks again, richbrave. I really do appreciate the updates.
David O'Brien
June 14th, 2011
12:26 am
Link to GAME STORY
http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/braves-big-trip-ends-976035.html
nolee
June 14th, 2011
12:27 am
This was ALL Tom O’Hawke’s fault. As soon as he said last night that we would talk after win # 7, I knew today’s game was a goner.
The Baseball gods hate hubris!!!
nolee
June 14th, 2011
12:27 am
Thank you DOB
Venice Jim
June 14th, 2011
12:28 am
nolee – what isn’t Tom’s fault?…
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 14th, 2011
12:31 am
“nolee
June 14th, 2011
12:27 am
This was ALL Tom O’Hawke’s fault. As soon as he said last night that we would talk after win # 7, I knew today’s game was a goner.
The Baseball gods hate hubris!!!”
David O'Brien
June 14th, 2011
12:31 am
Link to QUOTAGE
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2011/06/14/braves-quotes-after-8-3-loss-to-astros/
nolee
June 14th, 2011
12:33 am
yeah. The old Greeks often made pride the biggest part of human downfall in their dramas.
nolee
June 14th, 2011
12:34 am
good point, Jim
monty
June 14th, 2011
12:34 am
Schafer lookin good. When he gets completely confident, he’ll be a beast. Still just testing his wings. Nate has been trying to get back the Pittsbugh years, but for whatever reason, he hasn’t made it.
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 14th, 2011
12:35 am
Thanks for the game story with the quotes, DOB! I actually listened to a song on the CD I was playing I hadn’t listened to for a long time.
nolee
June 14th, 2011
12:37 am
I hope Schafer lives up to y’all’s expectations, it would be a huge help. So far I’m not seeing it in the stat lines or runs scored percentages.
on the other hand he is enuff better on defense that if he can hit close to as well as Nate he should prolly be starting
Moe Berg
June 14th, 2011
12:39 am
” Nate has been trying to get back the Pittsbugh years, but for whatever reason, he hasn’t made it.”
I have a few friends who did their Ph.d’s. at Pittsburgh. I think they are still trying to get back these years. No number of books will change that.
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 14th, 2011
12:40 am
And thanks for the quotes blog!
David O'Brien
June 14th, 2011
12:42 am
Monty, one other thing about Schafer. I was just watching highlights of Brent Lillibridge today. For those who are too quick to write off Schafer, take a look at what Lillibridge did in the majors during the 2009-2010 seasons after the Braves traded him. Numbers were bad (.452 and .625 OPS those two seasons in more than 100 PAs each year in majors, and OPS right around .700 each of those two seasons in Triple-A).
Then look at what he’s doing this season for the White Sox: .273 with 7 HRs, .943 OPS in 106 PAs.
Lillibridge is 27. Schafer is 24.
Mike S
June 14th, 2011
12:45 am
DOB, posted this earlier, but doubt you saw it. You ever go to the Experience Music Project museum out in Seattle? I was out there last week and finally got a chance to go see it. (I’m in Seattle 5-6 times a year for work/family, and had been meaning to go see it forever and just never got a chance. Really glad I finally did.) Pretty awesome place. The temporary exhibit there is about Nirvana, which not only went way into the band and the story behind it, but also went into alot of the late 80’s punk scene that inspired them. You would have loved it. If you are making the Seattle trip in a couple of weeks you should definitely go check out the exhibit, even if you’ve been to EMP before.
You mentioning Clapton just now made me think of it though, cause in the permanent Hendrix exhibit there was this sweet photo of a young Hendrix and Clapton playing together. Was really cool.
nolee
June 14th, 2011
12:47 am
I seriously doubt that Lillibridge is gonna continue his career in anywhere near this year’s vein even in a hitter’s park like Chicago. It’s 100 ABs
nolee
June 14th, 2011
12:53 am
Did anybody take a listen to any of the Catherine Russell blues that was linked to YouTube last night? Some decent music there.
Moe Berg
June 14th, 2011
12:54 am
nolie–I agree with you on Lillibridge. Yet, in the meantime, he gets to live in Chicago with an insane salary. He will realize that he can go to Reza’s, to Ghareeb Nawaz, to many more places in a great city. Not a great player, but playing in a great city in the mean time.
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 14th, 2011
12:56 am
“nolee
June 14th, 2011
12:53 am
Did anybody take a listen to any of the Catherine Russell blues that was linked to YouTube last night? Some decent music there.”
Sorry, noleee, I didn’t.
David O'Brien
June 14th, 2011
12:58 am
No, Nolee, I think we all realize Lillibridge is not going to hit seven homers every 100 plate appearances and have a plus-.900 OPS. But have you watched him play this season? He’s been a dynamic player offensively and defensively. He was once a highly rated prospect expected to become a solid major league player. It’s taken longer than expected, but he might be doing just that now.
And like I said, he’s three years older than Schafer. I know you’re all about noting small sample sizes and continuing to point out that Uggla makes a lot of not-much-more-than-routine plays look like spectacular ones, but sometimes it doesn’t mean you’re gullible or weak to say, hey, maybe Uggla’s a pretty good, or at least average, defensive player after all, and not the world’s worst second baseman that some said he was when Braves got him.
And maybe Schafer isn’t as bad as the stats he produced from the time he broke his hand on that swing in his first home game in 2009 until he finally got healthy during this offseason. Maybe he will actually be a good player. He’s 24.
Or, hey, maybe he won’t be. But at least acknowledge the guy’s done some things, showed flashes of the talent that made him the best player in the Braves’ camp that spring. If he stays grounded and realizes what he can and can’t do, doesn’t try to be a superstar and hit home runs, etc., he’s still got plenty of time to develop into a good major league player.
nolee
June 14th, 2011
12:59 am
well I wish him the best Moe. seemed like a nice kid, but I’m pretty sure he ain’t no 800+ hitter over any amount of time.
David O'Brien
June 14th, 2011
1:01 am
DOB, posted this earlier, but doubt you saw it. You ever go to the Experience Music Project museum out in Seattle? — Mike S
We went there Christmas week on our trip to Portland and Seattle. It was terrific. The Hendrix exhibit was there when we visited. Loved it.
nolee
June 14th, 2011
1:04 am
that’s true David, he does still have time, but he just does not look the same to me either as a performer or even physically.
Since he did flash some tools I really hope he can get back to that point cause we could definitely use a settled CFer and leadoff player.
BTW are you hearing any actual club level rumors of trades or does it mostly seem to be media talk?
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 14th, 2011
1:08 am
No one knows what Jordan can be. He’s still a kid, in MLB terms. He’s smart enough to know what he needs to do, and he’s trying to do it. And he has speed, which cannot be taught.
count_schemula
June 14th, 2011
1:14 am
I’m not really looking at Schafer’s “numbers” right now. I like what I see of the player on the field. His approach and what he brings in terms of electricity. The team has been a lot less dead looking since he showed up.
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 14th, 2011
1:15 am
I have to call it a night.
When I say good night and take care, I know I sound silly. But I mean it. And it’s not bad advice.
Another Fantasy Lineup (but good one)
June 14th, 2011
1:18 am
Schafer – CF
Heyward – RF
Jones – 3B
McCann – C
Freeman – 1B
Uggla – 2B
Hinske – LF
Gonzo – SS
Until Prado comes back. I’m digging this lineup.
Another Fantasy Lineup (but good one)
June 14th, 2011
1:20 am
Is DOB and nolee the same person? Hmmmmmm?
nolee
June 14th, 2011
1:21 am
Schafer;s career path so far reminds me some of Betamit, Both had a very strong half years or so in midlevel minors which IMO was way overhyped. doesn’t mean i hate the guy, last coupla years I’ve kinda lobbied to get Bets back as a backup.
nolee
June 14th, 2011
1:23 am
that’s a laugh AFL. how did you possibly come up with that?
Braveheart
June 14th, 2011
1:24 am
D.Lowe left clubhouse without speaking to reporters, was gone when we were let in
Fast & Furious needed a drink after that game
Yunel's Frosted Tips
June 14th, 2011
1:25 am
This is really touching…………from Freddie’s twitter
FreddieFreeman
11 years ago today my mom went to heaven. Just want to say I love you so much and wish you were here! <3
2 hours ago
Michael
June 14th, 2011
1:25 am
I would love the opportunity to punt Freddi Gonzales in the nuts
nolee
June 14th, 2011
1:25 am
that seems to be the perception count, but though he has stolen some bases he is not yet scoring runs at any different rate than Nate was. In fact since Nate was not leading off much of the time the edge likely goes to him.
nolee
June 14th, 2011
1:27 am
ah, Yunel is an old softy afterall
nolee
June 14th, 2011
1:28 am
me too I guess, That was a nice post
nolee
June 14th, 2011
1:36 am
Jonny Venters dominant in setup role ESPN INSIDER
June, 13, 2011
The Atlanta Braves are blessed with two relievers at the end of the game with raw stuff that can best be described as ridiculous.
[+] Enlarge
Nick Laham/Getty Images
Jonny Venters enters Monday’s action with a 0.44 ERA and 0.74 WHIP.
Closer Craig Kimbrel has his inconsistencies, but when he’s finding the strike zone he can be as unhittable as they come. For some more background, I did a whole blog entry on Kimbrel’s stuff and those inconsistencies early last year.
On many other teams, you wouldn’t even think about using someone else to close if you had Kimbrel at your disposal. But many other teams don’t have southpaw Jonny Venters, either.
“I’ve felt comfortable all season just going out and going right at guys,” Venters said, “and it’s been working out thus far.”
Clearly it has, as the stats for Venters kind of speak for themselves. A 0.44 ERA, 0.74 WHIP, almost a 4-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio, almost 80 percent ground balls and no homers allowed. The rubber-armed Venters has appeared in 56 percent of the Braves games and is currently in the midst of a 22-inning scoreless streak.
As you may have heard, the key for Venters is a 93-95 mph two-seamer with sharp sinking movement that is extremely tough to barrel up and almost impossible to elevate. Venters has given up just one homer in 123 2/3 major league innings. Obviously, Venters had a big season in a setup role in 2010, but what has taken him from great to otherworldly this year has been a step up in control. His walk rate has dropped from 4.2 batters per nine last year to 2.4 in 2011.
I credit that to more consistent mechanics. Venters’ control wanders when he opens up his front shoulder too soon, instead of staying back, keeping that shoulder in and letting his arm work. The occasions in which his timing has been off have been more infrequent this year, and it has been showing up in the numbers. Venters doesn’t nibble, because he’s obviously not afraid to pitch to contact.
“I don’t think I’ve ever really been a strikeout guy,” Venters said. “I don’t have one of those heaters like Craig has that I can throw by people. It seems like if it’s in the zone they’re going to get a little piece of it. The movement is what is good for me, when it looks like it’s in the zone and then it dips out. I’m super pumped when I get a ground ball early in the count.”
What’s funny is that Venters sells himself a little bit short. He’s striking out more than a batter per inning and has a higher percentage of swinging strikes this season than Kimbrel does.
Venters pairs his sinker with a sharp, mid-80s slider that neutralizes left-handed batters. The sinker is so good that he has scrapped the changeup that he used as starter in the minors because he doesn’t even need it.
“I threw it once this year [second outing of the season on April 3] and gave up a double,” Venters said. “I thought, ‘OK, I’m not doing that anymore.’” It was just one of two extra-base hits Venters has allowed all season.
Let’s be clear: Venters needs to be owned in all leagues. His ownership percentage has been between 45 and 65 percent for much of the season, and he bumped up to 75 percent as of Monday morning, but that’s presumably because Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez may be working Venters into the ninth more and not necessarily because more people are recognizing his considerable worth as a setup man, even if he failed to get a single save. Venters registered two saves this week, including one on Sunday because Kimbrel was unavailable after throwing 30 pitches the previous day.
Quality setup men and middle relievers are generally underappreciated commodities in fantasy, especially in mixed leagues without innings or games started caps, and many owners don’t consider them unless it’s to handcuff their closer. Consider that according to our Player Rater Venters — with just three saves — is the highest-ranking pure relief pitcher this season (Alexi Ogando, currently a starter for the Texas Rangers, is the top relief-eligible pitcher). Even if you took the three saves out of the equation, he’d still rank third. A heavily used reliever who can rack up strikeouts and grounders can often be a lot more appealing than taking a chance on a matchup starter and hoping he doesn’t blow up. For example, take the saves out of the equation and last week Venters’ stat line looks like this: 5 IP 3 H 0 ER 0 BB 8K. I’m making the point about Venters, but it can go for any dominant non-closing reliever in general, such as Hong-Chih Kuo in 2010. You may even want to consider a pitcher such as Mike Adams, if Venters is unavailable in your league.
As far as being heavily used, Venters has been worked hard after throwing 83 innings last year and has already had to sit a few days in April with biceps soreness, but we’ll continue to ride him while he’s pitching, as he could even lose a little bit off of his stuff and still be fairly dominant, given his movement.
Even if I knew a healthy Venters would not register another save for the rest of the season, he’d still have a place on my team. He’s still available in 25 percent of ESPN leagues. That should be rectified
nolee
June 14th, 2011
1:40 am
Nite Y’all. Better luck tonight!
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 14th, 2011
2:01 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Q1kB0R4Ijs
Stevie
June 14th, 2011
2:10 am
I think we should make some moves, and offer Albert Pujols a contract. I like Freddie Freeman, but I would much rather have Pujols over him. We can make some trades and get rid of Lowe, Freeman, and Kimrbel, and Hinske for Pujols. Chipper will be retiring after this season, so will have some money to spend, and we will need a power hitter. It would be good for Jason Heyward, because there wouldn’t be as much pressure on him to go out, and swing at everything. If Pujols is in the Braves lineup, we would be winning our division every year.
Ward
June 14th, 2011
2:30 am
Hello Every one! Had a bad feeling about the game,but We won the series,and thats what counts.Lowe should go now, and I just can’t back him any more. Lowe just needs a different team. I’m ready to let Lowe go…….
Ward
June 14th, 2011
2:32 am
nolee, that was an essay………Sorry I can’t read it. Your essay blinded me with all those words.Little humor…….
Ward
June 14th, 2011
2:39 am
I wouldn’t mind Grady siezmore,but so far nothing been said. Thought I would bring it up again…..
Ward
June 14th, 2011
2:40 am
Siezmore can hit with power, thats what I would like,but that just me…….
Ward
June 14th, 2011
2:48 am
I would aslo like some speed too,and I think Lowe knows he’s on the way out!
Ward
June 14th, 2011
2:53 am
Plus, Lowe is 3 and 5 now. It’s time to pull the plug on Lowe.He’s just not owning up to the contract signed. Just the way I feel. Well I’m done, and all have a good one! Peace from the Heart……..
Couch Tater
June 14th, 2011
4:44 am
Lowe is just 2-3 in eight road starts this season despite a 2.78 ERA, including 1-3 in seven since his Opening Day win at D.C. The Braves have scored three runs or fewer while he’s been in every road game. – DOB Blog.
Lowe should have stuck around and answered for the pitch to Pence, but the offense loads the bases in the first and does not score. Two hits in the first six innings.
I’d be frustrated, too.
veer
June 14th, 2011
5:22 am
I just hope that Schafer doing a good job doesnt come at expense of Contazna because C-Dawg is better than Schafer. I am hoping that Schafer struggles so C-Dawg can come and start for us. In the long run we are better off when C-Dawg. Schafer as long as he continues to hit .233 he will be praised by the fans here and the management that he would be playing everyday. Yes Schafer at 233 is being treated like .333. I like Schafer but we have a better option in C-Dawg
veer
June 14th, 2011
5:26 am
Next week it will be Mclouth vs Schafer head to head. The Winner of the two moves to CF when Prado returns. It will be interesting to see how both these players perform head to head with their jobs on the line. Mclouth will step it up a notch. I think because of this we will get great results from the two that will help our offense. When in fight or flight mode people chose to fight and this will be the case with Schafer vs Mclouth.
Mather has to be released. One good game doesn’t entitle him to be with our ballclub. He fluked his way with the Angels and that led us fans to probably hallucinate and think Mather is the answer.
David O'Brien
June 14th, 2011
6:54 am
I just hope that Schafer doing a good job doesnt come at expense of Contazna because C-Dawg is better than Schafer. I am hoping that Schafer struggles so C-Dawg can come and start for us. In the long run we are better off when C-Dawg. Schafer as long as he continues to hit .233 he will be praised by the fans here and the management that he would be playing everyday. Yes Schafer at 233 is being treated like .333. I like Schafer but we have a better option in C-Dawg — veer
Veer, the player you call “C-Dawg” spells his name Constanza, not Contazna.
JasonInFL
June 14th, 2011
6:58 am
I see the bad Lowe is back. Has been for a few games. I hope he can get it straightened out and capture the magic he had from last Sept through this April.
JasonInFL
June 14th, 2011
7:04 am
Liked Mac’s comments after the game. Finally, didn’t tip the ‘ol hat…said Wandy was nothing special, but that they just didn’t swing it. Then said he didn’t call the right pitch to Pence. That’s good stuff right there.
JasonInFL
June 14th, 2011
7:04 am
DOB, seriously, do you sleep?
Jeff R
June 14th, 2011
7:09 am
Lowe looked like a batting practice pitcher last night. But the Braves did finish a long road trip at 7-3. Let’s see if the Braves winning ways carryover at home.
David O'Brien
June 14th, 2011
7:14 am
DOB, seriously, do you sleep? — JasonInFL
Seriously, very little on days like today. Gotta catch my flight home.
JasonInFL
June 14th, 2011
7:23 am
I don’t know how you do it, dude. I don’t get a lot of sleep between work, trying to start my own company, and having 2 kids under 3, but I don’t have to fly all the time. I think that alone would be the end of me. But, we certainly appreciate all you do…especially on the ‘ol Man In Black blog.
richbrave
June 14th, 2011
7:57 am
ROME
WILLIE KEMPF [0-1, 0.00 ERA] recently returned from LYNCHBURG 5.0 IP, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 SO. He pitched a good game, but the offense never picked him up.
CHASEN SHREVE [4.65 ERA] 1.0, 2 H, 1 R/ER, 0 BB, 3 SO.
DAN JURIK [1.69 ERA] 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R/ER, 1 BB, 3 SO.
SS/3B ELI REYES [.174 BA[ 2-4, 1 R, 1 2B [11].
DH ‘Big’ JIM GATTIS [.338 BA] 3-4, 1 2B [7].
2B MATT LIPKA [.244 BA] 0-3, 1 RBI [19].
DSL
Loss to the ANGELS 4-8.
SS LUIS CABALLERO [.240 BA] 0-3, 1 R.
2B GOMEZ [.091 BA] 0-1, 1 R.
PH/3B ADOLFO ALMANZA [.143 BA] 1-2, 1 R, 1 SO.
1B IBRAHIM McKENZIE [.184 BA] 2-4, 1 R, 1 2B [1], 1 HR [2], 4 RBI [10].
Starter ORIEL CAICEDO L. [0-1, 2.00 ERA] 4.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R/ER, 1 BB, 6 SO pitched well in the loss.
GERALD FERRER [3.38 ERA] 1.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R/1 ER, 1 BB, 0 SO. Ouch!
ORIEL CAICEDO R. [13.50 ERA] 0.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R/ER, 1 BB, 1 SO, 1 HR. The starters brother.
ENRIQUE MEDINA [0.00 ERA] 1.1 IP, zeros, 2 SO. NICE!
ROBERTO ESTRELLA [11.88 ERA] 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER, 1 BB, 1 SO.
Confucius
June 14th, 2011
8:00 am
“It’s almost like having three center fielders out there, because Heyward’s pretty good [defensively],” Gonzalez said. “He’s got good range, and then you’ve got Nate and Schafer.”
Ok… I get the Heyward hype but geez come on! The guy is an average outfielder at best! He misjudges balls. If he has to run down a ball it’s only 50/50 he’ll catch it if he gets his glove on it. He’s terrible going back on a ball. Hell Hinske can go back on a ball better than Heyward! All Heyward knows to do on a ball over his head is go to the WRONG spot and wave at it!
richbrave
June 14th, 2011
8:01 am
veer:
Your 5:22 a.m……..wow, just wow!
Fish Bisch
June 14th, 2011
8:06 am
I’m glad we don’t have to face Cy Wandy anymore.
ncscoots
June 14th, 2011
8:36 am
that’s true David, [Schafer] does still have time, but he just does not look the same to me either as a performer or even physically.
It’s this very thing that has cooled me on his prospects going forward. He may have hit a homer last night (and I didn’t see the game, so I have no idea what his swing looked like on it), but, so far, he’s looked weak in the box. The wrist may be healed, but that doesn’t mean it’s well.
He certainly may be able to transform himself from a plus-power CF to a bunts-and-bingles guy, and certainly he may see that as the approach the team wishes him to take, but it leaves me cold, frankly. And I’ve been a fan of the kid long before he was a twitch in most of our posters’ fingertips.
Still, 6-for-17 in the Houston series with a double, a dinger, and only one K. Not shabby, if he can build on it.
Tommy T
June 14th, 2011
8:38 am
I have been very impressed in the level of maturity Shafer has shown in the way he has changed his approach in the last couple of years. I was of the opinion, and still am, that he will never be a star. I do think that since he has developed a little more Otis Nixon in his game, he can be a viable leadoff hitter. I hope the HR last night doesn’t get him back in the habit of trying to lift the ball on every swing.
ChillyMutt
June 14th, 2011
8:53 am
Schaffer isn’t going anywhere as long as he continues to field well and bat like a lead off hitter.
Arkansas Transplant
June 14th, 2011
8:58 am
I have to say, Lowe is just about worthless on this team. It’s time to cut the cord and move him along.
Tommy T
June 14th, 2011
9:01 am
There are plenty of things Shafer will have to continue to improve, mostly offensively. He has to continue raising his OBP and he has to continue to be patient and take walks. The question I have is what does the lineup look like when everyone comes back? If Shafer is leading off, then either Uggla or Heyward is going to be batting 7th.
Dadgum.....
June 14th, 2011
9:04 am
Heading to the ATL. Foot on the floor. Gonna catch the Bravos either tonight or tomorrow. Gonna hang awhile at the Saloon. Sweet. Blog happy hour specials abound.
My guess is that the Braves will hang with Shaefer the rest of the year in CF assuming he plays as he is now. Brings what McLouth does not. Speed, base stealing, stronger arm, better defense. Same bat if not better. Prado’s injury basically was good news to McLouth as I guess he plays LF. He probably platoons some after that. Regardless you don’t play McLouth over Shafer just because you are paying him a few million more if Schafer gives you a better chance to win. Hell, if that was the case then KK would be pitching over Beachy. Give me Schafer everyday over McLouth and twice on Sunday.
Rock on……..
Tommy T
June 14th, 2011
9:04 am
AT:
Performance-wise, Lowe is the Braves fifth starter right now. Compare him to other fifth starters in the league. Hardly worthless. Plus, Lowe is a gamer. He’s proven time and time again in his career that he’s a big game pitcher. I want him on this team come September.
ncscoots
June 14th, 2011
9:10 am
The question I have is what does the lineup look like when everyone comes back? If Shafer is leading off, then either Uggla or Heyward is going to be batting 7th.
Trying to project Fredo’s lineup might be wasted effort, LOL.
Until Prado is back, though, probably Schafer at the top, Heyward at 2, and Nate at 8. I guess. Maybe.
Jeff R
June 14th, 2011
9:13 am
Arkansas Transplant… How do the Braves cut the cord with Lowe? He’s got a season left on his contract. At this juncture, who would trade for Lowe without the Braves having to pick up a healthy share of his remaining contract? A team like the Yanks might be open to a deal for Lowe at deadline later this summer, but that depends on what the Yanks really need.
I thought that signing Lowe to a four-year big dollar deal was over the top when it happened. But, then, the Braves needed a veteran starting pitcher with some upside to anchor the rotation.
And I’ll say this for Lowe, he goes through stretches were he gets blasted and then rights himself and pitches some solid ball. He was the Braves’ money pitcher down the stretch last season. I’ll wager he wins 15, hurls 200 innings and has an ERA around 4.00. Seems to be his profile. Not worth $15 million a year, mind you, but it is what it is for the time being.
veer
June 14th, 2011
9:13 am
Yo Richbrave?
Whats the wow part?
Constanza- C-Dawg as he is known now is a hidden gem.
Tommy T
June 14th, 2011
9:17 am
scoots:
Agreed, especially on predicting the lineup. I think it gets interesting once Prado is back. Shafer loses some of his value if he’s not at the top of the order and Prado is the best two hole hitter in baseball (IMO). With McCann, Chipper and Freeman 3-5, that forces a pretty good hitter, as long as both Heyward and Uggla return to form, to the 7 spot. Not a bad problem to have. Of course, all this is contingent on health, and Shafer remembering he’s more Nixon than Mantle.
monty
June 14th, 2011
9:19 am
AT-” Lowe is (just about) worthless on this team. It’s time to cut the cord and move him along.
So you’re sayin there’s a chance.
Jeff R
June 14th, 2011
9:20 am
Schafer hasn’t persuaded me that he’s a starting major league center-fielder. He hasn’t done badly subbing for McLouth, and I give Schafer credit for his grit, but I’m still not thinking the kid has starter talent in the long haul.
ncscoots
June 14th, 2011
9:27 am
With McCann, Chipper and Freeman 3-5, that forces a pretty good hitter, as long as both Heyward and Uggla return to form, to the 7 spot.
From what I’ve seen, no chance that Fredo bats Freeman ahead of either Heyward or Uggla, if they’re performing. Especially given his penchant for L/R balance.
‘Course, if both of those guys are swinging the stick, it won’t really matter much who hits where.
DAP
June 14th, 2011
9:28 am
the braves could probably find a way to trade lowe if they wanted to, but they dont want to trade a veteran starter in the middle of a playoff race. if the braves are contending (which they will be) they will no trade lowe, and replace him with beachy or minor. i know folks are underwhelmed at times with derek lowe, but he is a valuable part of this team, though some disagree with that.
veer
June 14th, 2011
9:29 am
Lowes faith yesterday could have been better had he not thrown 0-2 pitch where he did to Hunter. In fact that pitch was where Mac wanted it. Lowes season line will probably be 13-13 with 3.96 ERA. while i am at it Let me just predict what other SP stats will look at at the end of the year
Lowe 13-13 3.96
Jurrjens 17-9 3.23
Hanson 18-11 2.74
Hudson 12-9 3.86
Beachy 10-6 3.75
I don’t expect Jurrjens to keep up the current pace.
In the end I expect Hanson to have the best stats.
Tommy T
June 14th, 2011
9:30 am
I don’t know scoots. Freeman’s been a horse the last three weeks or so.
ncscoots
June 14th, 2011
9:34 am
Freeman’s bound to cool off some, Tommy. The good thing would be to have Heyward and Uggla heating up when he does. Team wouldn’t miss a beat.
veer
June 14th, 2011
9:37 am
I am eagerly waiting for a press release that states that Mather has been released.
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
June 14th, 2011
9:37 am
Yeah, excellent quote from BMac. Very good ones from Schafer, as well.
Arkansas Transplant
June 14th, 2011
9:37 am
Monty,
I hear what your saying…
Fols
June 14th, 2011
9:40 am
If Mather isn’t batting with the bases loaded we may have a chance at a big inning for Lowe. That line-up was as close to a split squad spring training line-up as i’ve ever seen. Then to top if off the guy gets a lead-off double and the top of the order leaves him standing there. That was it right there to get into and take over this ball game. Needless to say he went out there and got thumped after that.
Bats made an appearance in Houston but that’s still Houston. We need to carry this over to the Mets series.
Benching Jordan for Nate is the worst idea i’ve heard. Jordan is getting on just as frequently, he’s an actual lead-off threat to steal and his defense has been great. Nate has not done anything to show us why he’d win that job back? I’m sorry but that’s just playing the guy with the bigger salary.
If we keep Jordan in there, insert Heyward, that’s our best line-up.
I’m done with Mather.
Jeff R
June 14th, 2011
9:42 am
DAP, you’re right. As long as the Braves are contending, Wren isn’t likely to shop Lowe. If the Braves move out of contention before deadline, then, I think Wren will aggressively try to move Lowe. I certainly think Wren will shop Lowe in the off-season.
Arkansas Transplant
June 14th, 2011
9:42 am
I said before the season that I thought this would be the year Hanson starts putting it together.
As far as Lowe goes, you had to expect me to jump on here this morning and declare my desire to move Lowe. I’ve been saying all along, he really doesn’t bring much to this team. Right now while Beachy is down I can see why to hang onto him but once Beachy comes back I expect the Braves to do a little “shopping him around.”
Arkansas Transplant
June 14th, 2011
9:43 am
Wonder where Lew is this morning?
ncscoots
June 14th, 2011
9:44 am
You gotta give Schafer one thing: he gets more hugs and kisses than any other .230 hitter has EVER gotten in these parts.
That’s an intangible I bet every player wishes he had. Ha!
monty
June 14th, 2011
9:47 am
When Schafer 1st came up this year, almost all of his 1st few hits were Rick Flairs dumped over the 2nd baseman’s head. Then he started squaring up some pitches with hard line drives to RF about 10 days ago, and then the HR last night. I see a player getting stronger at the plate, gaining confidence and seeing the ball alot better. In other words his stock is rising. The only advantage Nate had over Jordan was he slugged a little higher, but now even that’s becoming less of a difference. A few weeks ago Bobby Valentine said he saw Jordan playing CF for us for a long time. Just maybe he’s right.
Jeff R
June 14th, 2011
9:49 am
For the record, Lowe was probably responsible for getting the Braves into the post season last year. When most everyone on the team folded like cheap accordions in the stretch, Lowe was pitching some excellent clutch baseball.
Having said that, the Braves have too much young pitching talent bubbling up from the system that needs to have places in the rotation. Teheran, Minor, Delgado, etc. I think Wren will make every effort to move Lowe in the off season – or sooner, if the Braves drop from the race.
raleighbravefan
June 14th, 2011
9:55 am
AT – We know how you feel about Lowe. Just wondering…by cutting the cord, do you mean puting him on waivers, and paying him anyway, or do you mean begging someone,,,anyone to take him off our hands for nothing, and picking up most of his remaining salary? Who do you think we can make this “magic” trade with, and what do you think we will get? SERIOUSLY, Dude!
monty
June 14th, 2011
9:55 am
Jeff R- “For the record, Lowe was probably responsible for getting the Braves into the post season last year.”
For that reason alone, you can’t deal Lowe. You ride out his down streak and wait for that good streak that should come at some point. It’s frustrating to do, but not any worse than waiting on Uggla. You know he’s not going to be bothered pitching on a big stage when needed.
DAP
June 14th, 2011
9:58 am
scoots He may have hit a homer last night (and I didn’t see the game, so I have no idea what his swing looked like on it),
pitch was up and over the plate…maybe slight towards the outside part. i thought the swing looked good, but im no expert….it wasnt a cheapie, either…sailed over the 374 mark on the right center field fence. id guess it went at least 380.
monty
June 14th, 2011
9:58 am
Last night watching Brandon Hicks play SS was gut wrenching. Like watching Mather trying to hit. Has he had a hit since he won that game for us? I have a new appreciation for Gonzo after last night.
Jeff R
June 14th, 2011
10:00 am
Monty, I think the rotation – including Lowe – is set for the duration of the 2011. I’m assuming the Braves are contenders and likely post season participants. I’m sure Wren remembers Lowe’s clutch pitching down the stretch last season, and would rather have Lowe in the rotation that either of two kids: Beachy or Minor.
Lew
June 14th, 2011
10:02 am
Transplant – I had a Dr. appt.
Veer- So Beachy is coming back and going to go 9-5 the rest of the way while raising his OBP by 40 points and Jurrjens is going to go 9-7 while almost doubling his ERA? Where do you come up with this stuff?
raleighbravefan
June 14th, 2011
10:03 am
For the record, we are all frustrated, at least at times, with Lowe, McLouth, KK, Uggla, and others to various degrees. Venting doesn’t fix the situation. It’s like the econamy…if there was an easy solution, it would have already been done. Do you seriously believe that Wren and the FO is at least as aware and concerned about the situation as any of us? They will do whatever they are able to do.
That said, we are playing pretty well on spite of everything. I still believe.
Arkansas Transplant
June 14th, 2011
10:06 am
raleighbravefan, I wouldn’t exactly just let him go… that wouldn’t make much sense to just cut him and still have to pick up the remaining portion of his salary. As far as cutting the cord.. I was mostly referring to guys like you that want to look at him through this rose colored glasses and see something about him that isn’t exactly true. He’s not going to be the deciding factor as to whether or not we make the playoffs. I do believe by virtue of there’s other teams out there trying to make a playoff push increases the likelihood you could move him a trade and actually recieve one or two pretty good prospects. So why in the world would we just want to hang on to the guy if all we’re looking at is hanging onto him until the offseason to move him? When obviously there will be other options available to teams during that time instead of now when his services may be at a premium and therefore bring a much more valuable package in return?
monty
June 14th, 2011
10:06 am
Anyone have a projected return schedule for Moylan? Has he even picked up a baseball yet?
Arkansas Transplant
June 14th, 2011
10:07 am
Lew, Happy Birthday!!! Any plans to celebrate tonight?
Arkansas Transplant
June 14th, 2011
10:08 am
Lew, I think veer sneezed and lost his bears for a moment.
monty
June 14th, 2011
10:09 am
Lew – Congrats!
ncscoots
June 14th, 2011
10:14 am
So why in the world would we just want to hang on to the guy if all we’re looking at is hanging onto him until the offseason to move him?
Maybe because the team isn’t all that interested in having Beachy and Minor make 40% of the starts down the stretch in a pennant race. Can’t say that such a thing would warm the cockles, my own self.
raleighbravefan
June 14th, 2011
10:14 am
AT – So to sum it up…the guy is overpriced nearly worthless junk, but he would be valuable in a trade. And by the way, “a deciding factor as to whether or not we make the playoffs” is exactly what he was last year.
I don’t have rose colored glasses, and I know exactly all the negatives Lowe brings to the table. I, too, am often frustrated. But I am also a realist, and I know the positives he can bring as well, vs the current alternatives, and I aknowledge the true facts about his “tradability”.
Bat Masterson
June 14th, 2011
10:16 am
Happy Birthday, Lew
raleighbravefan
June 14th, 2011
10:16 am
Lew – Happy birthday! This is a big one, isn’t it? I hit mine in February. You and Mrs. Lew should do something fun today.
monty
June 14th, 2011
10:18 am
Anybody else thinkin’ like I’m thinkin’ that we are just 1 dominant player away from being the best team in baseball?? Or, just 2 of our starters hitting like they are capable? Say Heyward coming back and doing his thing and Uggla snapping out?
flange1
June 14th, 2011
10:18 am
Happy Birthday Lew!
TennesseePaul
June 14th, 2011
10:21 am
And maybe Schafer isn’t as bad as the stats he produced from the time he broke his hand on that swing in his first home game in 2009 until he finally got healthy during this off season. Maybe he will actually be a good player. He’s 24.
Cumulative stats by year covering all leagues and levels played in that year.
Year__PA_BB__SO_XBH_K/BB_PA/BB_AB/K__AVG__OBP__SLG__OPS
2005 200 13 049 018 3.77 15.38 3.71 .203 .256 .352 .608
2006 422 28 095 030 3.39 15.07 4.08 .240 .293 .376 .669
2007 626 56 126 074 2.25 11.18 4.48 .312 .374 .513 .887
2008 349 49 088 034 1.80 07.12 3.38 .269 .378 .471 .850
2009 233 29 073 012 2.52 08.03 2.77 .208 .305 .307 .612
2010 307 26 064 012 2.46 11.81 4.28 .201 .268 .255 .524
2011 265 23 037 013 1.61 11.52 6.27 .250 .314 .328 .642
Cumulative stats by health covering all leagues and levels played during the split. All but the first three games of 2009 and all of 2010 were counted as unhealthy due to the injury he sustained on the first swing of his first home game in 2009.
Split__PA__BB__SO_XBH_K/BB_PA/BB_AB/K__AVG__OBP__SLG__OPS
Pre. 1610 149 360 158 2.42 10.81 4.01 .270 .340 .450 .790
Injy 0527 052 135 022 2.60 10.13 3.45 .202 .280 .264 .544
Post 0265 023 037 013 1.61 11.52 6.27 .250 .314 .328 .642
He hasn’t ever really been a walks driven OBP guy. And the majority of his positive looking stats in his career occurred nearly a half decade ago in two minor league seasons.
Cumulative stats for 2007 and 2008 juxtaposed with healthy seasons from the rest of his career.
Split__PA__BB__SO_XBH_K/BB_PA/BB_AB/K__AVG__OBP__SLG__OPS
07-08 975 105 214 108 2.04 09.29 4.03 .297 .376 .499 .874
Else- 900 067 183 063 2.73 13.43 4.44 .235 .293 .363 .656
Perhaps he will be good. I don’t know if the team should wait around 3 more years until he turns 27. That’s three years of a lack production in CF waiting on a maybe. He had a good series in Houston though. Wouldn’t mind seeing that continue. At .353/.389/.588/.977 who wouldn’t?
Jeff R
June 14th, 2011
10:22 am
Well, Lew, another year older, another year wiser.
TennesseePaul
June 14th, 2011
10:22 am
Happy Birthday Lew!
ncscoots
June 14th, 2011
10:27 am
Yes, happy birthday, Lew. Just realize that, since I’m four months older, you’ll always just be a young whippersnapper to me.
richbrave
June 14th, 2011
10:27 am
I’m watching and waiting, but I’m thinking ‘The Vulture’ is better than MIKE REMLINGER already, and heading north of MIKE fast. And MR was the best set-up man I’d seen in a BRAVES uni since 1952.
Couch Tater
June 14th, 2011
10:28 am
Lowe: ….85 innings pitched. 4.02 ERA. 3.17 runs of support. H/9 8.6. BB/9 3.5 SO/9 7.0.
Hudson: 82 innings pitched. 4.06 ERA.. 4.77 runs of support. H/9 8.2. BB/9 2.1. SO/9 5.5.
Mixxo
June 14th, 2011
10:31 am
lol @ the peeps throwing Lowe under the bus.
We don’t come NEAR the post-season w/o him down the stretch last year.
flange1
June 14th, 2011
10:32 am
TennPaul,
How do the splits (lefty vs righty) look with Schafer?
I see the Rockies are becoming disenchanted with Dexter Fowler. Maybe a small trade and set up a platoon in CF of Schafer and Fowler?
Maybe one will become a star?
Mixxo
June 14th, 2011
10:32 am
Lowe was pissed because we pissed away every opportunity we had with guys on base early.
He’s sick of it….as am I.
Arkansas Transplant
June 14th, 2011
10:32 am
raleighbravefan, where did I say he was overpriced? I never said that, I’ve always maintained the fact that he doesn’t do much for this team given the other options we have at our disposal and the fact that his value to this team is what he could bring in a trade to a contender looking for a vet for the stretch run.
richbrave
June 14th, 2011
10:33 am
Congrats LEW. Do you still have my e-mail? GIL gave me yours, I’ll send it today.
BravePack
June 14th, 2011
10:34 am
Offense as a whole has been anemic and inconsistent and yet we are 2.5 games out of first and tied for lead in wild card. No Heyward, Uggla for the most part, and now Prado. We are still winning and the pitching has been great and will continue to be. The offense will only improve and when it does the Braves will take over the division lead and stay there for the rest of the season. Please let’s stop the whining and complaining as it gets old reading the same crap over and over especially after a loss.
Oh yeah Schafer is heating up and will keep the CF position or at least he should. Doing a great job at lead-off and in CF despite the hate certain posters have for him.
Lew
June 14th, 2011
10:37 am
Thanks Everyone.
scoots – always good to know I’m not the oldest around.
raleighbraves – Kathy’s go at 101 temp today – the funnest thing today was likely to hold was going to get her some ginger ale.
And of course I meant Beachy’s ERA, not his OBP. If we’re reduced to hoping his OBP provides the runs we need, we’re doomed.
richbrave
June 14th, 2011
10:39 am
Mixxo
June 14th, 2011
10:31 am
lol @ the peeps throwing Lowe under the bus.
We don’t come NEAR the post-season w/o him down the stretch last year.
And there’s the key to the bus pummelling. It’s those last two words at the end of your statement……..”last year.’
It’s this year, and folks want to see that last year was an aberration, and not the new norm where LOWE’s concerned……..Good to begin with, and good at the end, but not so good in the middle. And has HUDDY caught this malaise also?
Lew
June 14th, 2011
10:41 am
richbrave – Thought I did, but can’t find it. Congrats on your Well Deserved Wurlitzer. You provide something really special to the blog with your minor league updates, which we all appreciate – and the considerable amount of time they take you is also appreciated. You’re one of the main reasons this is such an informative place to be for we Braves’ fans.
Send me some pictures of your Grandson – a portrait shot and some baseball pics and I’ll draw you something that will make you prouder of him than you already are.
monty
June 14th, 2011
10:42 am
This really is Schafer’s “do or die time”. If he plays well from here on out none of the past stats mean anything. If he fizzles, then they mean everything and we will be looking for trade or FA options for CF next season. No pressure Jordan.
raleighbravefan
June 14th, 2011
10:42 am
AT- I think you way overestmate Lowe’s tradability. btw, Wren has tried to trade him.
ncscoots
June 14th, 2011
10:43 am
And has HUDDY caught this malaise also?
Maybe compensating for the back problem got him in some bad habits, or maybe the back just isn’t quite right yet.
Arkansas Transplant
June 14th, 2011
10:45 am
raleighbravefan, I don’t think I’m overestimating his value by much and things aren’t exactly the same since they aggressively tried to move him.
Arkansas Transplant
June 14th, 2011
10:48 am
raleighbravefan, I know this probably pains you to hear this but I actually want Lowe to do well and do it very well. I want him to be great when he steps on the mound but it doesn’t change my opinion of what they need to do with him, it would just increase his value as far as I’m concerned but I want him to win every time out.
Lew
June 14th, 2011
10:48 am
They aren’t going to trade starting pitching unless they are totally out of the race. They just aren’t. It would be really, really stupid, considering they’ve already had Beachy and Jurrjens on the DL and Hudson missing a start and not being completely back yet.
MInor isn’t going to be able to replace Lowe and Teheran isn’t ready yet.
Reality check – no matter how much any of y’all dislike Lowe, he’ll still be here come October – just like he has been the past three years despite your dislike.
richbrave
June 14th, 2011
10:50 am
LEW:
Send me some pictures of your Grandson – a portrait shot and some baseball pics and I’ll draw you something that will make you prouder of him than you already are.
Is that possible?
I look forward to it.
count_schemula
June 14th, 2011
10:51 am
Oh look, it’s stats for Brett Butler:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/butlebr01.shtml
Note the ages, and how it all progressed. Now I’m sure we said the same thing about Brett Butler, too small, no power, etc and I’m not saying that Schafer will be Brett Butler, but…
The key to Schafer is to keep building on this game he’s showing us now, and to work with a proven base stealer to cut down on his caught stealing.
No way in heck does Nate just walk back to a starting job. I will savage Fredo if that happens…
raleighbravefan
June 14th, 2011
10:52 am
AT – You could be right. I think they will try to rade him again during the off season, but doubt it will happen this season. Whenever they do, I hope they are able to get maximum value. He will still cost someone $15M, and will be another year older.
Coach (2011 Fredi G. a go!)
June 14th, 2011
10:52 am
Lew’s birthday?
C’mon….what’er you 29 again for the umteenth time
Anyway, have a great day Lew. The blog wouldn’t be the same if you weren’t around.
Murph
June 14th, 2011
10:53 am
Happy birthday to Lew,
You live in the zoo,
You smell like a monkey,
And you look like one too!
Happy birthday Lew!!!
Lew
June 14th, 2011
10:55 am
Thanks, y’all.
Murph – Now I just took a shower and used deodorant, too.
Coach – I’ve given in – I’m sixty for the first of many times to come – I want that Denny’s Senior Discount.
raleighbravefan
June 14th, 2011
10:56 am
AT – Why wouldn’t you want him to do well, if you are a true Braves fan, which I know you are (unlike some of the nimrods here). I understand your position. I just don’t think it is totally realistic. Nothing would make me happier than for them to be able to make a great trade. However, I think we need Lowe now, while we have guys out.
Tommy T
June 14th, 2011
10:58 am
If it’s Lew’s Birthday, why am I at work? Isn’t this a National holiday?
Coach (2011 Fredi G. a go!)
June 14th, 2011
10:58 am
count_schemula,
Brett Butler made a big league career out of one skill. The bunt. The man could lay down a drag bunt and beat it out for a hit better than anybody I have ever seen. Sure, Butler could run and play defense, but it was his skills with the bat that kept him in the big leagues for seventeen years.
raleighbravefan
June 14th, 2011
10:59 am
scoots – If you’re 4 months older than Lew, that makes you 1 month older than me, which may make you the patriarch (although I know some of the guys here are even older).
Lew
June 14th, 2011
11:04 am
If they declare my Birthday a National Holiday, do they double my tax refund?
Venice Jim
June 14th, 2011
11:04 am
Happy B-day, Lew, from cab and me!
BravePack
June 14th, 2011
11:05 am
Lew
Happy B-Day and many many more. Hope you have a great day which would include the Braves beating the Mets.
I have to give credit to Yunel’s Frosted Tips for a comment he made last night that had me laughing at my desk this morning…he said Nate to Kansas City they collect ex-Braves like aluminum cans.
Lew
June 14th, 2011
11:07 am
Beating the Mets would be a quite appropriate Birthday gift. An Uggla Home Run or two would be an even better gift.
TennesseePaul
June 14th, 2011
11:09 am
flange1: How do the splits (lefty vs righty) look with Schafer?
That’s not so easy now that minor league splits is defunct. And with so little MLB PA available it wouldn’t do it justice. If I could get the data, I’d be happy to analyze it.
ncscoots
June 14th, 2011
11:12 am
which may make you the patriarch
Nah. nolie is a little older than I, and I think Gil is, also. Besides, I’m not patriarch material, LOL.
LTBF
June 14th, 2011
11:14 am
Enter your comments here
count_schemula
June 14th, 2011
11:15 am
I know people are upset about the decision, er, I mean the bunt last night, but Schafer is not a bad bunter, and I think Schafer will have more doubles power than Butler did. They key here is that Schafer had a taste at 22, got hurt, got humbled, and he’s back and only 24. I don’t really get why more people are not rooting for Schafer to evolve into the leadoff hitter we have been craving.
count_schemula
June 14th, 2011
11:16 am
“I have to give credit to Yunel’s Frosted Tips for a comment he made last night that had me laughing at my desk this morning…”
He doesn’t even need to comment, that name cracks me up every time…
LTBF
June 14th, 2011
11:17 am
Good morning all
We can’t win them all, but I was surprised to see hicks at SS,he can’t hit a lick.
DAP
June 14th, 2011
11:17 am
lew Reality check – no matter how much any of y’all dislike Lowe, he’ll still be here come October
…and i have a feeling lowe will pitch a couple of games in september/october that will make us all glad he is here.
i co-sign all your lowe sentiments. it would be a stupid thing for the braves to do to trade this guy, and they arent stupid. in fact no front office in the majors would consider trading lowe in the situation the braves are in. none of them…
TennesseePaul
June 14th, 2011
11:17 am
Oh look, it’s stats for Brett Butler:
Note the massive difference in minor league numbers and how those progressed. Bret Butler had a better foundation under him than Schafer. In particular, coming up Butler looked like a man who could draw a walk. In his first full season in the majors he began doing that. Schafer and Butler have little in common in terms of how they play(ed) the game. If Schafer can suddenly become Butler 2.0, more power to him.
ncscoots
June 14th, 2011
11:18 am
don’t really get why more people are not rooting for Schafer to evolve into the leadoff hitter we have been craving.
Who says they aren’t?
Hillbilly
June 14th, 2011
11:19 am
-Sasquatch
-Jimmy Hoffa
-Amelia Earhart
-Minor League Splits
One of these is less likely to be located than the others and I’m pretty sure I know which one it is…
DiamondbackMac
June 14th, 2011
11:24 am
Happy Birthday Lew
Hugo Z Hackenbush
June 14th, 2011
11:25 am
Am I missing something? You can find Schafer’s splits at Gwinnett on their website. OPS was .523 vs. lefties, .682 vs. righties.
Hillbilly
June 14th, 2011
11:26 am
Lew, you share a birthday with Donald Trump and Boy George…Here’s to hoping life lands you somewhere in between the two. HBD.
The memories of a man in his old age are the deeds of a man in his prime. –Roger Waters (1972)
flange1
June 14th, 2011
11:27 am
Tenn Paul,
Well I am glad it is not just me that could not find those stats!
Thanks anyway!
Hillbilly
June 14th, 2011
11:30 am
Hugo, I should have said career minor league splits.
count_schemula
June 14th, 2011
11:30 am
Schafer’s OBP is 90 points higher than his batting average. That’s about right? He looks to me like he’s willing to work a count and take walks. If he’s hanging with Chipper, he’s learning a lot about this approach. Chipper’s career OBP is 99 points higher than his career BA, so it’s not like Schafer is just popping up and grabbing pine every time up.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
June 14th, 2011
11:31 am
Ah, you wanted career stats.
richbrave
June 14th, 2011
11:32 am
ncscoots
June 14th, 2011
10:43 am
And has HUDDY caught this malaise also?
ncscoots;
‘Maybe compensating for the back problem got him in some bad habits, or maybe the back just isn’t quite right yet.’
I thinking you’re right and hoping I’m wrong; that there is no malaise..
Fish Bisch
June 14th, 2011
11:33 am
Neice owns us
DK
June 14th, 2011
11:34 am
Happy Birthday Lew and may your wishes come true.
Fish Bisch
June 14th, 2011
11:34 am
Career against ATL: 7.2 innings pitched 2.35 era and 7 K’s
Shaun
June 14th, 2011
11:35 am
count_schemula, whether a player’s OBP is 90 points higher is pretty much irrelevant, if the OBP isn’t good. Schafer hasn’t posted a good OBP in a season since 2007-2008, in the minors. I think Schafer can be a decent on-base guy, good enough to hold down a major league job, perhaps as soon as next year. But I don’t think he’s a great on-base guy and probably not a legit long-term leadoff guy.
Fish Bisch
June 14th, 2011
11:36 am
Neice shut down the Crew Brew last time out
richbrave
June 14th, 2011
11:38 am
murph:
Well, us inmates all make up the zoo that is the BRAVES blog with the blog-meisters DAVID O’BRIEN and CARROLL ROGERS. So each of us has a pungent odor about us. Best dang blog on the internet, bar none.
richbrave
June 14th, 2011
11:39 am
Grass-cutting time. Now that does stink!
LTBF
June 14th, 2011
11:41 am
The Braves are nuts if they send Jordan down when Nate and Jason return. I admit early this year checking G Braves stats and boxes I said I thought Jordan was done, well he has proved me WRONG. He has been a spark-plug hitting leadoff,good in field with strong arm. DO NOT SEND HIM DOWN! DO NOT TAKE HIM OUT OF STARTING LINEUP.
ncscoots
June 14th, 2011
11:41 am
He looks to me like he’s willing to work a count and take walks.
He’s seeing right around 4 pitches per appearance.
Random
June 14th, 2011
11:43 am
DOB: ” The Braves’ co-closer option appears to be gaining traction. Jonny Venters recorded his second save in four days, striking out two in the ninth and extending his scoreless innings streak to an eye-popping 22.”
Wishful thinking, dude — you really need to stop cheer-leading for Venters.
DOB: “[Fredi Gonzalez had] gone with Kimbrel as the full-time closer until Thursday at Florida. Venters got the save opportunity that night, after Kimbrel had blown a two-run lead in the ninth inning on Wednesday.”
News flash for you, Jimmy Olsen — Kimbrel is STILL “the full-time closer”, even after “Thursday at Florida”.
At least, that’s what his MANAGER says [On using Venters to close after Kimbrel threw 30 pitches in 10th inning Saturday night]: ” [Kimbrel] threw 30 pitches last night and we had day game today. It’s a nice luxury to have. It’s not like it’s the old quarterback controversy or anything, it’s just a nice luxury to be able to bring two guys along.”
And that’s also what VENTERS thinks: “Craig threw a lot of pitches yesterday and they wanted to give him the day [off]. That’s the only reason I was in there today, I think.”
DOB’s 12 Jun 11 interview question to Fredi Gonzalez:
“Are Hanson, Jurrjens and Venters legitimate All-Stars in your view?”
DOB’s 12 Jun 11 interview question to Jonny Venters:
“[What are your comments] On pitching ninth in save situation, second
time in four days[?]; How much more exciting pitching the ninth?”
Pardon me, MISS — your bias is showing.
Craig Kimbrel ain’t chopped liver — he, too, belongs in the AllStar game
(tied for 2nd in saves in the NL; more pick-offs than any of the other top
10 NL closers; more Caught Stealing than any of the other top 10 NL closers;
the only closer in the NL top 14 closers with no steals against; more Ks per
9 IP than any other NL closer; fewer hits per 9 IP than the top 3 NL
closers; etc), and has fully earned the job of Braves closer, based on his
performance and in the judgment of the Braves manager and coaches, whose
knowledge, experience and judgment you may impugn but cannot impeach.
Sylvester
June 14th, 2011
11:44 am
richbrave– you’re so right about this blog. Best one by far.
LTBF
June 14th, 2011
11:45 am
I like the smell of fresh cut grass.
Fish Bisch
June 14th, 2011
11:48 am
DOB got served
DAP
June 14th, 2011
11:49 am
shaun whether a player’s OBP is 90 points higher is pretty much irrelevant, if the OBP isn’t good
that depends on what you want to know.
scoots He’s seeing right around 4 pitches per appearance.
more than chipper, prado, or mccann, last time i looked.
Scrub21
June 14th, 2011
11:50 am
happy b-day Lew
count_schemula
June 14th, 2011
11:52 am
“Who says they aren’t?”
“But I don’t think he’s a great on-base guy and probably not a legit long-term leadoff guy.”
I dunno, I just don’t feel the love.
My point is, if he hits at a .270-.280 clip, which he could do, his OBP should be .360 to .370. Brett Butler was .377 and had by most accounts a solid career.
DAP
June 14th, 2011
11:53 am
so random, what do you think about the co-closer situation? :- )
Fish Bisch
June 14th, 2011
11:56 am
Random, do you think he is a fiuffer too?
TennesseePaul
June 14th, 2011
11:59 am
count_schemula: Schafer’s OBP is 90 points higher than his batting average.
That’s true, on the season. When Schafer first came up and the book was incomplete on him, he drew walks. After his first week of games the league has a better idea of how to pitch him. For the month of June, including his Houston production he has hit .225/.262/.375/.637 with a less than 40 point spread in the AVG-OBP. And Payne is correct, his OBP is so low that the spread in the two is irrelevant.
DAP
June 14th, 2011
12:01 pm
shaun whether a player’s OBP is 90 points higher is pretty much irrelevant, if the OBP isn’t good
ill go ahead and expound on this…..it is not irrelevent at all, depending on what you want to know. to me, if a player’s OBP is low, but its 100 (or in this case, 90) points above the batting average, than the bigger problem is the batting average. its shows the player is still getting on base without the benefit of a hit. if the batting average raises, and the plate discipline continues, you can expect OBP to rise with AVG. so, if we can get schafer hitting .255 instead of .235, he will be OBPing .345, which will be pretty good with his SB ability.
ncscoots
June 14th, 2011
12:02 pm
I dunno, I just don’t feel the love.
I think you may be confusing a healthy skepticism with a desire for his failure. Because of all that has happened to the kid, I think his minor league numbers, good and bad, tend to be less of an indicator. Add to that the fact that he’s seemingly trying a different offensive approach than the one which produced those minor league numbers, and the picture becomes even less clear.
So, there’s really only the “now” on which to base any evaluation, and there just isn’t that much of it. Just natural for some to want to be convinced a little more, that’s all.
TennesseePaul
June 14th, 2011
12:02 pm
My point is, if he hits at a .270-.280 clip, which he could do, his OBP should be .360 to .370.
I doubt this. I believe if he were to start hitting at a “.270-.280 clip” something he really has never done (only 1 season in his professional career above .269 and that was in A ball), his rate of walks would remain and you’d see a spread of 40-60 points. His OBP would still be .340 or below. Certainly not .360 or above for an extended period of time.
wow
June 14th, 2011
12:05 pm
schafer has a much better approach this time around. no more gap to gap type player we seen in the past howeever a full offseason to strenghen the wrist will help. the thing i dislike is the fact that he has attemped nearly 15 bunts since being called up and has only put in play 5 either for a hit or sac.
TennesseePaul
June 14th, 2011
12:06 pm
Also for the month of June (after the first week), Schafer has accumulated 7 K’s to 2 walks. He hasn’t been able to continue the plate discipline… though that rate might improve as it is pretty far out of line with his career. Nevertheless, he isn’t much of a walks driven OBP guy. It’d be really something if he suddenly morphs into one.
CrαZy
June 14th, 2011
12:10 pm
So If All-Star game was tomorrow who makes the team?
Brian McCann – Starting Catcher
Jair Jurrjens – Possible Starting Pitcher
Tommy Hanson
Jonny Venters
ncscoots
June 14th, 2011
12:13 pm
His OBP would still be .340 or below. Certainly not .360 or above for an extended period of time.
Though, it is reasonable to assume that the pitch recognition and plate discipline required for him to hit .280 or so might also have the added benefit of increasing his walk rate. That’s not out of the realm, I don’t think.
Snotboogie
June 14th, 2011
12:17 pm
Happy B’day Lew!
Nah. nolie is a little older than I, and I think Gil is, also.
Everyone seems to think nolie is much older than them. If this continues any longer I will start believing that nolie was a proofreader for the old testament!
count_schemula
June 14th, 2011
12:19 pm
The sample size on Schafer is small, and the minors was spent in rehab, on probation and maybe working on skills which is different than making numbers. This is why I think Fredo needs to run him out there with security for an extended time. Nate is not a part of this team’s future. We’ve seen what he has to offer and we don’t like it. This we know.
Also, key to this is Chipper as on bench hitting coach. If the Chipper being blunt story is true, and Chipper has Schafer’s ear, he’s going to learn a lot about plate discipline. We may have no choice but to watch Schafer develop in front of our eyes.
Snotboogie
June 14th, 2011
12:21 pm
So is it safe to say that Hicks at SS didnt work out great yesterday? If the idea was to give him a start in front of friends and family – the Rudy move – it seems to have backfired. Dude was bailed out by Freeman’s stellar glovework a couple of times and still seemed to have problems turning in an average defensive performance.
Murph
June 14th, 2011
12:25 pm
Hicks is basically worthless. Shouldn’t be in the organization let alone starting for the Braves. Has he ever done anything at any level? The guy is hitting .239 in the minors.
You know a player is bad when you look them up on Baseball Reference and it lists their position as “Pinch Runner”.
LTBF
June 14th, 2011
12:26 pm
I see there is not a lot of love for Jordan. OH well, guess we will get Nate in CF rest of season. NOT A GOOD SIGN FOR WINNING GAMES. Check Braves record with Nate starting VS record with Jordan starting.
ray k.
June 14th, 2011
12:27 pm
Lew,
We share the same birthday. Did you think as I did growing up that all the flags were on display in your honor?
LTBF
June 14th, 2011
12:30 pm
Good road trip. We are in the hunt. I hope mid-week attendence is better than it has been., would like to see more than 20,000 there tonite.
TennesseePaul
June 14th, 2011
12:39 pm
You know a player is bad when you look them up on Baseball Reference and it lists their position as “Pinch Runner”.
Ha!
Scrub21
June 14th, 2011
12:40 pm
Crazy:
No to Hanson,
Yes to McCann because of the fan vote
Either Venters or JJJ will get screwed, prob. JJJ
T for Texas
June 14th, 2011
12:43 pm
Happy Birthday, Lew.
TennesseePaul
June 14th, 2011
12:43 pm
Though, it is reasonable to assume that the pitch recognition and plate discipline required for him to hit .280 or so might also have the added benefit of increasing his walk rate. That’s not out of the realm, I don’t think.
This isn’t really an assumption scoots. It’s hope. One can have hope, but that doesn’t have any barring on what will happen. Juan Pierre can hit for a decent average and still struggle to have a high on base percentage, or even an OBP over .340.
CrαZy
June 14th, 2011
12:45 pm
Scrub21
Why no to Hanson and why would the best starter and relief pitcher in the NL get screwed?
Shaun
June 14th, 2011
12:47 pm
The sample size on Schafer is small, and the minors was spent in rehab, on probation and maybe working on skills which is different than making numbers. This is why I think Fredo needs to run him out there with security for an extended time. Nate is not a part of this team’s future. We’ve seen what he has to offer and we don’t like it. This we know.
count_schemula, even if his time in the minors is mostly as a rehabing player, you still would like to see him to put up better numbers.
I agree to a certain extent that Schafer’s minor league numbers are tricky, with regards to trying to make a somewhat informed guess as to what he might do within the next couple of years in the majors. He’s battled a significant injury and he’s still young, even though it seems like he’s been around forever. But if Schafer truly has the underlying skills to be a very good leadoff hitter for a good team, he should handle minor league pitching easier than he has the past few seasons, rehabbing or not.
Bat Masterson
June 14th, 2011
12:47 pm
Happy birthday, ray k
TennesseePaul
June 14th, 2011
1:01 pm
Check Braves record with Nate starting VS record with Jordan starting.
It’s 2011. The Braves have a winning record with either of them starting… there isn’t a losing record for any single legitimate player on the team who starts with any regularity.
AtlYnkHtr
June 14th, 2011
1:01 pm
LTBF your 12:26 comment is a blatant non sequitur.
JasonInFL
June 14th, 2011
1:06 pm
June’s a good month. Lew’s B-day, my b-day in 12 days, and the Braves will be in 1st by the time the month ends.
Happy B-Day Lew, you old-timer!
DAP
June 14th, 2011
1:06 pm
im looking forward to getting some guys healthy…i hope nate comes back and goes on a 90 game tear like he did the beginning of ‘08.
faninva
June 14th, 2011
1:09 pm
Lew – Happy Birthday!! Much like Roadsaw, you are one Bad Ass Rising!
ncscoots
June 14th, 2011
1:16 pm
This isn’t really an assumption scoots. It’s hope.
Nah. I doubt he could hit .280 without increasing his walk rate, at least somewhat. Thus, I don’t think that it’s necessarily true that his BA/OBP spread would suffer greatly. Not saying he can hit .280 (that would be a hope) or that he can OBP .370 (also a hope). Just that an inverse relationship doesn’t have to exist.
DAP
June 14th, 2011
1:21 pm
call the cops, someone killed the blog…
Bat Masterson
June 14th, 2011
1:25 pm
call the cops, someone killed the blog…
Sounds like a job for Hieronymus Bosch
Ease®
June 14th, 2011
1:27 pm
The detective (retired)…or the artist?
Random
June 14th, 2011
1:27 pm
DAP (June 14th, 2011 11:53 am): “so, what do you think about the co-closer situation?”
Thought you’d never ask. ;->
With the Braves entire rotation being right-handed, their opponents’ benches will predominantly be RH hitters.
If our starter goes 6 or 7 good innings, it makes sense to me for the Braves to deplete their opponent’s bench with two consecutive LH relievers. (I think of it as pulling their trumps.) Both O’Flaherty and Venters have been noted for their equal effectiveness against RH hitters.
And that sets up RH closer Kimbrel against mostly RH hitters in the 9th.
(Now, does it always work out that way? Of course not — but them’s the percentages that Fredi is playing.)
Say “too”.
PS: @Fish Bisch — “fiuffer”?
PPS: HB2U, Lew!!!
count_schemula
June 14th, 2011
1:28 pm
The BA and walk rate go hand in hand. More walks means more pitches, means more hitting your pitch or taking a base. I do think the OBP is key.
Let Scahfer play Fredo, don’t bork this up by running Nate out there ASAP due some silly veteran unspoken rule. We’ve seen Nate. He gets paid like a big boy, he can handle it.
DAP
June 14th, 2011
1:31 pm
random, i personally like the “co-closer” title, if only that it gives fredi flexibility without everyone wondering and asking him “whats going on with the closer role?”
mitch williams (who was a closer) said he hates the co-closer thing, and that venters would be his closer because he is sick nasty, and no one is mounting rallies on that guy.
i think he is right, but the setup so far has worked pretty well, i think.
Snotboogie
June 14th, 2011
1:34 pm
Now, does it always work out that way? Of course not — but them’s the percentages that Fredi is playing.
Are you suggesting that Fredi went through all this thought process before choosing Kimbrel as his closer or merely saying that it’s good that it’s ended this way?
Nice analysis, either way. However what happens in situations like with Philly where their normal middle order with Utley and Howard end up facing Kimbrel – LH starters not replaced by the bench. Wouldnt you rather have everyday Jonny face them?
Happy B’day ray k!
Furman Bitcher
June 14th, 2011
1:34 pm
Hansen, JJ, Venters and McCann will be all-stars this year barring some collapse by one of them
bravesgrl4life
June 14th, 2011
1:35 pm
Bat – Sounds like a job for Hieronymus Bosch
I love that series of books!
Fish Bisch
June 14th, 2011
1:36 pm
Baseball needs instant replay.
Bat Masterson
June 14th, 2011
1:36 pm
Ease_
Since it’s a killing, and we already have an artist, the detective Harry Bosch. Who will be back in action in November 2011,in case you don’t already know.
ncscoots
June 14th, 2011
1:37 pm
Let Scahfer play Fredo, don’t bork this up by running Nate out there ASAP due some silly veteran unspoken rule.
Won’t need to make that decision, since he can play ‘em both for the rest of this month. Certainly, if you want Schafer to have an opportunity to take the job, McLouth should have an opportunity to keep it, no?
Best case, they both play well and make a decision tough. Worst case, they both display major suckage and we can all lobby for Matt Kemp.
But, at least, the team can make a plan to handle CF in some fashion, whatever that might be.
ncscoots
June 14th, 2011
1:40 pm
mitch williams (who was a closer) said he hates the co-closer thing, and that venters would be his closer because he is sick nasty
Yeah, but Williams is left-handed, and we all know what nutjobs those lefties are, DAP.
Bat Masterson
June 14th, 2011
1:41 pm
I love that series of books! _ bravesgrl4life
nolie, and maybe others, recommended the series here on the blog. I’m up to Angels Flight. Really enjoying them too.
count_schemula
June 14th, 2011
1:42 pm
Well, I hope they leave Schafer in CF and platoon Hinske and Nate in LF.
DAP
June 14th, 2011
1:42 pm
scoots and we all know what nutjobs those lefties are, DAP
EASY now! :- )
ncscoots
June 14th, 2011
1:46 pm
platoon Hinske and Nate in LF.
Platoon ‘em how, count? Both lefties.
count_schemula
June 14th, 2011
1:49 pm
Sorry, maybe not a platoon in that sense, just don’t stop playing Hinske since Nate is back. Not sure what is up with Matt Young and Mather. Looks like Mather is the cut to me.
Random
June 14th, 2011
1:51 pm
Snotboogie (June 14th, 2011 1:34 pm): “Are you suggesting that Fredi went through all this thought process before choosing Kimbrel as his closer . . . “
Nah, just idly speculatin’.
(However, working to set up or avoid lefty-righty matchups ain’t exactly rocket science, after all.)
RSM
June 14th, 2011
1:54 pm
I would think that you could use McLouth as a utility outfielder type and slide him into cneter and give Shafer a day off, then right and let Heyward have a day off, leftfield with Hinskie until Prado is back, and after Prado returns he could go to left some for a rest for Prado or Chipper.
When Heyward and McLouth returns I think you will see two of Young, Hernandez, or Hicks go back down. Although, I wonder if you could see Mather get traded, he has been noticeably absent from the lineup in the past week.
Lew
June 14th, 2011
1:55 pm
Thanks, y’all.
ray k – Absolutely. And Happy Birthday to you, too.
faninva- Glad you saw that yesterday. Try Stormwarrior, too.
bruce
June 14th, 2011
1:57 pm
Dave, “good thing” Braves lost last night, otherwise they would give you grief for skipping the NY series. But at least this time in NY Chipper did not apparently have any back/bed issues; did they change hotels or did Chipper get a bed board? Good trip, thanks!
Ease®
June 14th, 2011
2:00 pm
That makes zero sense.
monty
June 14th, 2011
2:00 pm
With the propensity for extra inning and 1-2 run games this year..you simply aren’t going to be able to find Kimmie enough rest without using Venters at least on occassion to close out a game., probably at least once a week. We need Kimmie strong in Sept. and post season, no need to constantly drain him. So, if I were FG, I would strongly consider matchups in the 8th and 9th innings also. If Kimmie closed the day before and maybe he’s Ok, maybe he’s not, and the next day and I’ve got Utley, Howard and Ibanez in the 9th, then JV gets the nod. Co-closers as needed.
Shaun
June 14th, 2011
2:01 pm
Check Braves record with Nate starting VS record with Jordan starting.
Did someone actually throw this out? Maybe it’s valid for a sport like basketball, where one guy makes a big difference, but not baseball.
Basically it’s the same as arguing that Ernie Banks was one of the worst players ever because he played so long but his teams never won championships.
TennesseePaul
June 14th, 2011
2:03 pm
just don’t stop playing Hinske since Nate is back
That bat has cooled. Usually due to over exposure with Hinske. He’s at his best with limited but regular exposure. Nate will get to play while Martin is on the DL.
I’m curious count, if Nate performs well, like he did through the May 4th double header (.287/.384/.417/.801) while Prado is out will you be clamoring for him to play?
Personally, if they both continue to put up these unimpressive seasonal numbers, I’d side with the defensive improvement. Right now neither of them is inspiring on the offensive side. Or at least both are inspiring desires for a trade…
Bay Area Steve
June 14th, 2011
2:05 pm
Random,
Good to have you back, brother. Let’s fight:
Kimbrel hasn’t earned an all-star appearance. Closer’s job is to finish wins, regardless of WHIP, Ks, etc. 80% ain’t cuttin’ it. And, any time you have to break out pick offs and caught stealings to make your argument for a closer, red flags are flyin’ mighty high.
I like the kid, I like him at closer to give him clean innings, and free up Everyday J to be used with more flexibility, and clean up other’s mess. I think the kid’ll make an all-star game or two. But, he ain’t there yet.
Lastly, I don’t see how you can call bias when somebody likes Everyday J over Kimbrel. Guy’s ERA has like fifteen zeros in front of it, and I don’t think anybody’s squared him up since that sacrifice bunt attempt in May. If likin’ Jonny more, right now, makes me biased, so be it…
ncscoots
June 14th, 2011
2:06 pm
If you guys ever want Kimbrel to be feared and loathed when he strides to the mound over the crashing dissonance of some hitters-nightmare-inducing music, you absolutely, positively, got to stop calling him “Kimmie”.
Bat Masterson
June 14th, 2011
2:09 pm
No kidding, Baby Face is fine though. We all know a Baby Face can be a cold blooded killer.
count_schemula
June 14th, 2011
2:12 pm
Hinske gets overexposed, this is true. His 8HRs are up there on the team though. He’s a pro’s pro, working a walk last night in a blow out.
My thing with Nate is, he’s not a part of the future, and even if he hits a hot streak, a streak is all it is. I don’t hate the guy, or think he does not care or that he mailed it in, I just think there is no future with him and we’ve seen that his ceiling is low.
Schafer in the OF is a huge step up.
We need an OF eventually, ideally Schafer can handle CF and we could get a LF and Prado comes in and plays 3b after Chipper retires at the end of this season, but I don’t want to see another half butt move like JD Drew or Tex. Get someone we plan to keep for a few years.
Hillbilly
June 14th, 2011
2:12 pm
you absolutely, positively, got to stop calling him “Kimmie”.
“[ROAR!!!] and listen to this crowd! ncscoots comes through with huge knock and we have a brand new ballgame!”
Fish Bisch
June 14th, 2011
2:13 pm
I like Kimmel in at closer but O’Ventbrel better be researching their medical plan to see who their in-network doctor is.
buttermaker
June 14th, 2011
2:16 pm
Kimmie?
cabravesfan
June 14th, 2011
2:19 pm
I’m a girl. I can call him Kimmie
Carroll Rogers
June 14th, 2011
2:19 pm
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2011/06/14/braves-looking-for-redemption-vs-gee-reyes-mets/
new blog is up!
ncscoots
June 14th, 2011
2:24 pm
Props to Hillbilly for the sham PBP.
No kidding, Baby Face is fine though.
I dunno, I think the man needs face hair, even if it’s just two-day stubble (OK, for him, that’s probably three-day). Call in Moylan and get him some mad ink, if he doesn’t already have some.
His stuff is plenty nasty, but he needs to look the part. Slightly crazed look in his eye, the I-blew-the-asylum-but-they-haven’t-caught-me-yet thing; just a touch of the sloven look, the I-don’t-really-care-how-I-smell-as-long-as-you-die air; that sort of thing. Have the opposition reluctant to the box before the first 98 gas. Like that.
Shaun
June 14th, 2011
2:31 pm
monty, what propensity for extra-inning and 1-2-run games? The Braves have played 36 games decided by 1-2 runs. The median is 34 such games. Wow. The Braves really have a propensity for those 1-2-run games, huh?
Random
June 14th, 2011
2:32 pm
Bay Area Steve (June 14th, 2011 2:05 pm): “Good to have you back, brother. [Thanks.] Let’s fight:
Kimbrel hasn’t earned an all-star appearance. Closer’s job is to finish wins, regardless of WHIP, Ks, etc. 80% ain’t cuttin’ it. And, any time you have to break out pick offs and caught stealings to make your argument for a closer, red flags are flyin’ mighty high.
I like the kid, I like him at closer to give him clean innings, and free up Everyday J to be used with more flexibility, and clean up other’s mess. I think the kid’ll make an all-star game or two. But, he ain’t there yet.
Lastly, I don’t see how you can call bias when somebody likes Everyday J over Kimbrel. Guy’s ERA has like fifteen zeros in front of it, and I don’t think anybody’s squared him up since that sacrifice bunt attempt in May. If likin’ Jonny more, right now, makes me biased, so be it…”
Nah, there’s no fight in me on this issue — I concede your point in its entirety (except for your denigrating WHIP, Ks, etc).
There’s half a dozen NL closers performing as well or better than Kimbrel.
Kimbrel’s appeal is his youth and status as a record-setting rookie. But you’re right — he’s not yet of AllStar calibre.
PS: “Bias” only in the sense of “preference”. DOB’s on the record as preferring Venters to close, and disagreeing with Gonzalez’ reasoning for using Kimbrel as closer (eg, your “clean innings” argument.) In this case — the DOB opinions and questions I quoted on the previous page — I think it deleteriously affected his reporting. That’s all.
monty
June 14th, 2011
2:35 pm
Caution: Opinion Only-Take with a grain of salt.
Missing in some of the Nate and Schafer comparisons is the learning curve factor. Nate is an experienced major league hitter who knows most (except the new no name) pitchers, He has 2,557 PA’s to Jordan’s 274. Interesting to note that when McLouth was JS’s age he hit .233,.293,.385,.678.
Jordan could very well wind up with numbers similar to those as he is now,.235,.316,.302,.618. But what happened Nate’s following year is where things get interesting. He improved dramatically to .258,.351,.459,.810. Not saying that will definitely happen to Schafer but not out of the realm of possibility either. Why? Because in the off season Jordan will (for the 1st time in awhile) get on a good strength training regimen and come to camp somewhere near where he was in the beginning of 2007 when he hit that HR over the 427 sign in Philly. He’s nowhere near that strong now, but now that he is not afraid of hurting his wrist, he’ll get stronger in the off-season, not that we need him to hit HR’s but his slugging will go higher. If DOB asked him if he’s as strong now as he was going into 2007 I’d bet ya he’d say “no”.
Dadgum.....
June 14th, 2011
3:13 pm
Ok, so now in Buckhead trying to rent my space down from the Buckhead theatre. Beautiful hot weather. If not going to Braves game join me at the Buckhead Saloon on Roswell. Happy Hour. Cold Beer. Braves. Rock on….
David O'Brien
June 14th, 2011
3:36 pm
Random, thanks for your participation on the blog. Leave the reporting to us, though. Enjoy your cold one.
David O'Brien
June 14th, 2011
3:46 pm
N8, the next time you or anyone else gets on my case for not answering a question regarding which player I believe should be starting at this position or that one, or which pitcher should be closing, or which player should be on the bench, please consider the angry response Random had to my giving my opinion on the subject of closer, after about 20 folks on the blog asked me directly whom I thought should be closing and why.
Braveone
June 14th, 2011
5:03 pm
From the previous blog which had 1,077 comments, Tom O’Hawke led the way with 65 posts. There were 160 different poster names. Here are the Top 25:
Rank Poster Frequency
1 Tom O’Hawke 65
2 bravesgrl4life 56
3 nolee 50
4 David O’Brien 41
5 jch 39
6 Woody Woodward 38
7 Tomahawkin 32
8 CaptainMudderland 28
9 Ward 27
10 ncscoots 25
11 veer 23
12 cabravesfan 22
13 Lew 20
14 McFann ;Ô; ;Ô; 20
15 Tomahawk Mafia 18
16 groundfog 18
17 Mixxo 17
18 tiger297 17
19 Grincheee 14
20 MikeInFl 14
21 TennesseePaul 14
22 VaBraveeeesFan 14
23 count_schemula 14
24 richbrave 13
25 DAP 12